Manchester United fans will love what Joshua Zirkzee did before Bruno Fernandes scored a match-winning penalty against Burnley.
After failing to win any of their first three matches of the 2025/26 season, Manchester United beat Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford.
Josh Cullen’s own goal gave United the lead after 27 minutes, but Lyle Foster equalised 10 minutes into the second half.
United responded immediately as Diogo Dalot’s low cross was converted by Bryan Mbeumo, who scored his first Premier League goal for the club.
A mistake from Altay Bayindir gave Burnley hope of snatching a point, as Jaidon Anthony made it 2-2, but Bruno Fernandes secured three points from the spot in the 97th minute.
Bryan Mbeumo and Joshua Zirkzee
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee’s moment of brilliance
Amorim made five substitutions to turn the game in United’s favour.
Joshua Zirkzee was the first player to come off the bench after he replaced Matheus Cunha in the 31st minute. The Brazilian was forced off with an injury, and Ruben Amorim decided it was too early in the game to bring on fellow new signing Benjamin Sesko.
United made hard work of their win over Burnley due to lapses in concentration, but the three points will help ease the pressure on Ruben Amorim.
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Amorim will be thrilled with Zirkzee’s moment of brilliance before Fernandes’ match-winning penalty.
The Portugal international was mindful of the penalty he missed against Fulham when the referee barged into him in the build-up. This time, he stood far away from the referee to ensure it wouldn’t happen again.
Fernandes received help from Zirkzee after the Netherlands international blocked Burnley’s Foster from trying to put off the penalty taker.
This shows that Zirkzee was thinking ahead to ensure Fernandes was in the right mindset ahead of his crucial spot kick.
Zirkzee stats vs Burnley
After coming off the bench in the first half, Zirkzee made his first league appearance of the season.
Zirkzee lacked end product, but he made his presence known in the final third.
Minutes played: 59
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Shots: 7
Chances created: 1
Defensive contributions: 3
Touches: 47
It could be argued that his contribution for Fernandes’ penalty was his highlight of the game.