Manchester United signed off August with a first win of the season on Saturday against Burnley at Old Trafford.
After a week that has seen Ruben Amorim under intense scrutiny, winning at Old Trafford was absolutely pivotal for the Red Devils.
It was the response Amorim would have wanted from his Manchester United side after the penalty shootout loss to Grimsby, and the performance warranted a more comfortable win than 3-2.
United won the game in the 97th minute, leaving it late and dramatic in typical club fashion.
Bruno Fernandes converted a high-pressure penalty to secure three points for the first time this season, sending United up the table.
During the game, there were plenty of winners and losers for United.
Manchester United players celebrate against Burnley
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Winners
Kobbie Mainoo: This time last week, Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford looked to be on thin ice. Fast forward to now, and he’s played a big role in the past two games.
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Mainoo was a half-time substitute against Burnley and shone in midfield next to both Casemiro and Fernandes. Most impressively, Mainoo led United for ball recoveries in the second half as he demonstrated a serious defensive work rate to win the ball back.
With Amorim ruling out Mainoo’s loan exit before deadline day, performances like this could soon make him irreplaceable in central midfield.
Bryan Mbeumo: On Wednesday, despite the horror result against Grimsby, Mbeumo got off the mark for United, and against Burnley, he played with a new confidence that wasn’t seen previously.
Bryan Mbeumo leaps into the air at Old Trafford after scoring
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Mbeumo was the pick of the bunch for United, as he created several chances for himself and others, while also adding the second goal of his career at Old Trafford.
Two in four this season for Mbeumo, which makes him the current front-runner for signing of the season, and he looks to be making himself at home at the club.
Diogo Dalot: With Amad preferred at right wing-back, Dalot has been left without a position in Amorim’s starting lineup.
However, against Burnley, Dalot started on the left and was absolutely brilliant from start to finish, putting in a flawless display.
Dalot contributed an assist and was a threat all day long, offensively and defensively. He has probably nailed this position down for the foreseeable future.
Joshua Zirkzee: Another winner to come off the bench against Burnley was Zirkzee, as he continued to fight back from injury, replacing Matheus Cunha in the 30th minute.
Zirkzee was embraced by Amorim after his display, and the head coach will be thrilled with the Dutchman’s impact.
While he did miss one of the biggest chances of the game, Zirkzee linked up the attack so well and made those around him perform better, such as Mbeumo. Such a valuable asset.
Losers
Manuel Ugarte: Loser number one for United against Burnley was a player who sat on the bench for the entire 90 minutes, Ugarte.
The Uruguayan was hooked at half-time against Grimsby, with Amorim criticising his team’s performance; it seems Ugarte is one of the players he is really unhappy with.
Ugarte was an unused substitute, and few would have wanted him to feature, considering how poor he has been this season so far. One year in, it looks like a signing Ineos will soon have to think about getting rid of.
Patrick Dorgu: In an identical situation to Ugarte was Dorgu, who also wasn’t used after being hooked at half-time against Grimsby.
Dorgu had to watch Dalot shine in his position, and now the onus will likely be on the Dane to earn his place back rather than the other way around.
This was a real week to forget for the youngster, but he can learn and come back better.
Altay Bayindir: Putting Bayindir in the losers column is almost a weekly occurrence now, but once again, it is deserved.
Bayindir made a complete mess of the second goal conceded against Burnley, fumbling his save right back into danger in a very unconvincing manner.
With Senne Lammens still on the cards, this could be the final time we see Bayindir starting as first choice between the sticks.