Manchester United edged past Burnley in dramatic fashion at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes slotting home a stoppage-time penalty to secure a 3-2 victory.
Josh Cullen's own goal was cancelled out by Lyle Foster, while Bryan Mbeumo quickly restored United’s lead before Jadon Antony pulled Burnley level again. With the game heading for a draw, Amad Diallo was fouled deep into stoppage time, allowing Fernandes to settle the contest from the spot.
It was a rollercoaster encounter, one where United looked in control for long spells but were punished by Burnley’s resilience. In the end, Rúben Amorim’s men showed grit to find a late winner, keeping their momentum going into a crucial run of fixtures.
The result lifts United further up the table heading into the international break, ensuring they stay in touch with the top half. For Burnley, it was a harsh blow after a spirited performance, leaving them empty-handed despite twice pegging the hosts back.
Story Of The Match
Rúben Amorim made just one change from the side that drew with Fulham, with Diogo Dalot replacing Patrick Dorgu at right-back.
Burnley manager Scott Parker named an unchanged XI from the team that beat Sunderland, sticking with a settled line-up.
The Red Devils came flying out of the blocks. In the second minute, Martin Dúbravka was forced into an early save after Mason Mount’s corner was diverted goalwards by Hartman.
Moments later, Amad Diallo’s delivery caused more panic, Burnley scrambling the ball away for another corner. Fernandes then released Mbeumo, whose curling effort was parried away, before Mount himself teed up the Cameroonian forward for another chance that drifted wide.
Mount’s bright start continued as he burst past Kyle Walker, only to be brought down inside the area. A penalty was initially awarded, but after a lengthy VAR review referee Sam Barret overturned his decision. Within a minute, United had another appeal turned down as Diallo went down under Hartman’s challenge.
United eventually found the breakthrough from a set piece. Fernandes whipped in a free kick, Casemiro rose highest, and though his header cannoned off the bar, the rebound deflected in off Josh Cullen to give United a deserved 1-0 lead.
The momentum was checked soon after as Matheus Cunha pulled up injured and was replaced by Joshua Zirkzee. Burnley then carved out a chance for Hannibal, who fired well over, before Mount clipped the crossbar with a header. Diallo forced another save from Dúbravka before squandering a golden chance in first-half stoppage time after being teed up by Mbeumo.
United introduced Kobbie Mainoo at the break, but Burnley struck back through Lyle Foster, who finished neatly from a Jacob Bruun Larsen cross.
The joy was short-lived. Straight from kick-off, Zirkzee flicked on for Dalot, whose cross was met by Mbeumo to restore United’s lead 13 seconds later.
Burnley thought they had equalised again when Foster rounded Altay Bayındır, but the offside flag spared United. Fernandes went close from a volley, before Burnley levelled once more. A long throw from Kyle Walker wasn’t dealt with by Mainoo and Bayındır, and Antony pounced to fire home.
Amorim turned to Benjamin Šeško, but the Slovenian striker missed two big chances late on. Burnley reshuffled into a back five, holding firm as the clock ticked down.
In stoppage time, Diallo was fouled by Antony inside the box. VAR intervened again, and this time a penalty was given. Fernandes kept his nerve amid the protests, sending Dúbravka the wrong way to seal a dramatic 3-2 win.
For United, this was another sign of resilience under Amorim. Twice pegged back, they still found a way to win, maintaining momentum in their pursuit for 3 points. The injury to Cunha is a concern, but the impact of new signings like Mbeumo continues to show.
Burnley will take heart from their performance, having twice clawed their way back, but leaving Old Trafford empty-handed will sting. Still, Parker’s side look well-drilled and will believe they can take points off bigger sides as the season progresses.
Player Of The Match - Bryan Mbeumo
Mbeumo was a constant menace to Burnley’s defence and scored his first Old Trafford goal at a crucial time. With Cunha forced off, the Cameroonian took responsibility in attack, working tirelessly and providing the cutting edge that made the difference on the night.