Manchester United finally got their first win of the season in dramatic fashion, edging out Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford thanks to a last-minute Bruno Fernandes penalty.
It was a game packed with controversy, wasted chances, and more defensive questions for **Ruben Amorim**’s side. Here are four key talking points from a thrilling afternoon in Manchester.
Set Pieces Are Becoming United’s Secret Weapon
If there’s one positive United can take from their inconsistent start to the season, it’s their growing threat from set pieces.
After scoring from a corner against Fulham last week, they found the breakthrough here in similar fashion. **Casemiro**’ 26th-minute header deflected off a Burnley defender and into the net, credited as an own goal but created entirely by United’s delivery and movement from the corner.
Mason Mount also went close when he rattled the crossbar with another set-piece header, while Burnley struggled to deal with the aerial presence United created in the first half. Although the end product wasn’t always perfect, there’s little doubt that set pieces are now a genuine weapon in United’s arsenal – something that hasn’t always been the case in recent years.
Of course, it’s a double-edged sword. United themselves conceded once again from a set piece continuing a worrying trend that has carried over from pre-season and the opening fixtures. While their own attacking routines look increasingly sharp, their defensive stability at set plays remains a glaring weakness.
Substitutions and Squad Depth Will Be Key
Injuries are already forcing United to test the depth of their squad. A knock to new signing**Matheus Cunha** left Amorim turning to the bench far earlier than expected. It’s a reminder that in a season where United trying to get back into Europe, the ability of replacements to make an impact will be decisive.
Over on the other side, manager Ruben Amorim’s handling of Benjamin Šeško is also telling. Despite investing £75m in the Slovenian striker, Amorim has been cautious with his introduction to the Premier League.
When Cunha went down injured in the 22nd minute, many expected Šeško to come on, but Amorim instead opted for Joshua Zirkzee. Just as in midweeks penalty shootout at Grimsby, where Šeško was left to the very end, it’s clear the manager is keen to ease him in gradually, rather than thrusting him into the spotlight too soon.
This measured approach might frustrate fans eager to see their big signing in action, but it could pay off long-term. Managing expectations and giving Šeško time to adapt may help him settle into English football without the weight of immediate pressure.
Wasteful Finishing Nearly Cost United Dearly
For all their first-half dominance, United’s inability to put the game beyond Burnley was nearly their undoing.
Amad Diallo squandered the best chance of the opening period when, after a blistering counterattack, he blazed his left-footed effort high over the bar. Mount’s header against the woodwork only underlined United’s profligacy.
Those misses gave Burnley belief, and they punished United ruthlessly after the break. Foster equalised early in the second half with a smart finish following sustained pressure, before another defensive lapse at a set piece allowed Burnley to level again.
It was a familiar story: United dominating but failing to kill the game off, leaving themselves vulnerable to punishment. Against stronger opponents, this sort of wastefulness could prove even more costly. For now, Fernandes’ late heroics bailed them out, but Amorim will know his side cannot continue to pass up so many opportunities.
Fernandes Redeems Himself With Nerves of Steel
After missing a crucial penalty against Fulham last weekend, Fernandes showed his character in the most dramatic fashion.
Deep into stoppage time, United were awarded a spot-kick after VAR drama earlier in the game had already denied them one. This time, Fernandes kept his cool, smashing the ball in the corner of the net to secure a vital 3-2 win.
It was a huge moment not just for the captain but for the entire squad. A second consecutive penalty miss would have raised serious questions, but instead Fernandes delivered when it mattered most. It was the kind of leadership United needed, settling the nerves around Old Trafford and giving them their first three points of the campaign.
The win doesn’t solve all of United’s issues defensive frailties and missed chances still loom large – but Fernandes’ late strike might just prove to be a turning point in their season.
Final Word
United were far from perfect, but this was about grinding out a win when it mattered most.
Set-piece efficiency, better squad management, and Fernandes’ ice-cool mentality were enough to get them over the line. Now the challenge is building consistency – because they won’t always get a last-minute lifeline.