Manchester United beat Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford thanks to an injury time penalty kick.
Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United were the better team against Burnley, but two basic defensive errors saw the Red Devils almost drop points.
After dominating the game, United’s possession paid off in stoppage time when a penalty was awarded.
Amad was hauled down on the edge of the box, and Bruno Fernandes converted, striking his spot-kick confidently into the bottom corner.
This was United’s first win of the season, bringing relief to a frustrated Old Trafford crowd.
Four Manchester United players celebrate goal at Old Trafford
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Mark Clattenburg on United penalty
Manchester United’s injury time penalty against Burnley was not originally given. Play continued for a further 30 seconds before VAR intervened.
Amad was fouled and blocked off by Jaidon Antony, impeded from continuing his run into the box after playing a pass.
Speaking exclusively to United In Focus, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg gave his verdict on the incident, expressing his view that the correct decision was reached.
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Clattenburg explained: “Holding of the shirt which starts and carries on inside the penalty area can be given as a penalty.
“Jaidon Antony has a hold of Amad’s shirt and the only question for the VAR, does Amad have his foot on the line of the penalty area when the hold stops?
“I have watched this many times and the front foot looks like it’s on the line when the shirt is still being held so therefore a penalty kick is the right outcome.”
#MUNBUR – 90+2’ VAR OVERTURN
After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of no penalty to Manchester United.
Referee announcement: “After review, Burnley eleven has a sustained pulling action on Manchester United sixteen, which results in a penalty kick. My…
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) August 30, 2025
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Manchester United in familiar position
After three games of the Premier League season, Manchester United have a total of four points out of a possible nine.
This is the fourth consecutive year United have failed to win at least two of the opening three games to start the season.
Last season under Erik ten Hag, United won one and lost two, but did win the fourth match to make a total of six points from a possible 12.
Next up United face City at The Etihad, and the fear is that after four games, Ruben Amorim’s United will be stuck on four points.