Bruno Fernandes Strikes Late from the Spot to Seal Thrilling 3-2 Man Utd Victory Over Burnley

Manchester United claimed their first Premier League victory of the campaign following a dramatic 97th-minute penalty converted by skipper Bruno Fernandes in a thrilling five-goal encounter at Old Trafford.

Recovering from the humiliation of their Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby Town earlier in the week, this represented another commanding league display that nearly failed to yield three points.

An unfortunate Josh Cullen own goal in the opening period gave Ruben Amorim's side the advantage they merited. Lyle Foster leveled matters for Burnley after the break, before Bryan Mbeumo's maiden Premier League strike following his summer arrival, and Jaidon Anthony's effort transformed the scoreline from 1-0 to 2-2 in rapid succession after the interval.

It appeared United would have to accept a frustrating stalemate until a late penalty was confidently dispatched by Fernandes.

The opening exchanges reflected the Red Devils' showing against Arsenal, displaying encouraging signs and good rhythm, yet lacking goals. Mbeumo created two opportunities within quick succession around the 15-minute mark, the first denied by former United keeper Martin Dúbravka and the second sailing past the post.

Soon after, official Sam Barrott initially awarded Amorim's team a penalty when Mason Mount became entangled with Kyle Walker. Initial discussion centered on whether the incident occurred inside or outside the area, but following VAR consultation, Barrott determined no infringement had taken place.

Any worries that United would once more fail to capitalize on their superiority were dispelled when Cullen inadvertently deflected the ball into his own goal. Mount's wide set-piece was nodded against the crossbar by Casemiro and ricocheted off Cullen across the line, before Dúbravka could retrieve it.

United lost Matheus Cunha through injury during the first period, but the encouraging signs persisted when Mount rattled the crossbar with a clever header and subsequently Amad Diallo prompted an excellent stop from Dúbravka. A series of home efforts in first-half added time, four from replacement Joshua Zirkzee alone, failed to extend the lead before the break.

Two strikes within 90 seconds early in the second period saw Burnley draw level before immediately falling behind once more. The Clarets moved the ball wide for Jacob Bruun Larsen to deliver from the right, locating Foster with ample space in the area to guide the ball home. However United, prone to losing composure too readily last term, responded immediately. Diogo Dalot supplied the cross from the left wing, with Mbeumo positioned centrally to finish clinically.

Incredibly, Foster found the net a second time moments later, only to see it disallowed for a tight offside call. But Burnley remained undaunted as Anthony soon restored parity at 2-2, when the hosts failed to clear a long throw-in, flicked on twice, before Loum Tchaouna's effort was saved by Altay Bayındır—the loose ball fell to Anthony, who made no mistake.

Seeking a decisive goal, United found it difficult to fashion additional opportunities, with promising attacks failing to materialize. This changed in the final stages, when Benjamin Šeško had his opportunity to become Old Trafford's match-winner, failing to keep his header down when meeting Mbeumo's excellent delivery and directing it over, before miscuing a second headed chance despite superb positioning.

The sustained late pressure ultimately proved fruitful when Amad had his jersey tugged by Anthony while entering the penalty area and, following a tense VAR examination, referee Barrott awarded the spot-kick. Fernandes converted confidently from twelve yards, registering his 99th United goal in the process.

Man Utd Player Ratings vs. Burnley (3-4-2-1)

*Ratings provided by Fotmob*

Subs not used: André Onana, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Patrick Dorgu.

Player of the Match: Bruno Fernandes

Burnley (4-2-3-1): Martin Dúbravka; Kyle Walker, Hjalmar Ekdal, Maxime Estève, Quilindschy Hartman; Lesley Ugochukwu, Josh Cullen (c); Jacob Bruun Larsen, Hannibal Mejbri, Jaidon Anthony; Lyle Foster.

Substitutes: Václav Hladký, Joe Worrall, Lucas Pires, Oliver Sonne, Aaron Ramsey, Josh Laurent, Loum Tchaouna, Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming.