Man Utd's Dramatic Late Show Against Burnley: Four Key Insights
Manchester United secured their first Premier League victory of the campaign in dramatic fashion, needing until the 97th minute against Burnley as Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot following a VAR-assisted decision in added time.
It represented another peculiar performance from United, who displayed quality football for extended periods but appeared destined for another disappointing result until Amad Diallo was fouled in the penalty area with mere moments left on the clock.
Ruben Amorim, who has come under fire for his recent comments following the midweek Carabao Cup elimination to Grimsby Town, shared conflicted emotions after the final whistle at Old Trafford. The Portuguese manager understands that despite achieving a favorable outcome before the September international window, significant development and enhancement remains necessary.
'We Overcomplicate'
Amorim provided a candid assessment that United should have secured victory during the opening period, considering their commanding performance. The statistics showed 15 attempts compared to Burnley's two in the first 45 minutes, with an expected goals figure of 1.57, yet only managing a slender 1–0 advantage despite such control.
Beyond the own goal from Burnley captain Josh Cullen that proved decisive, Bryan Mbeumo had tested goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka with a quality effort, while Mason Mount struck the crossbar. However, numerous attempts lacked accuracy and failed to genuinely trouble the opposition. This pattern mirrored their performance against Arsenal.
"It's three points, when you analyze the match we should have settled it in the opening half and managed the contest—but we're battling until the final moment due to situations we make too complex," Amorim explained to Premier League Productions.
"Consider the first half, we created numerous scoring opportunities. You sense you can dictate the match. But one throw-in, one dead ball situation. I was shaking my head, because occasionally football presents these scenarios. We now have a fortnight with many possibilities. This was a fixture we needed to win, but significant work lies ahead."
Concerning Matheus Cunha Injury
With United demonstrating improved attacking rhythm during the game's opening thirty minutes, Matheus Cunha's forced withdrawal due to injury presents genuine cause for alarm.
The Brazilian immediately headed toward the tunnel and the issue seemed sudden rather than a persistent problem he had attempted to manage, evidenced by the lack of an immediate substitute ready.
As an adaptable attacker who can operate in both the No. 10 and No. 9 positions, Cunha represents United's primary source of optimism for enhanced creativity following last season's goal-scoring struggles.
He was scheduled to travel to South America following this match for Brazil's World Cup qualifying fixtures against Chile and Bolivia. That participation now appears uncertain, while United supporters will hope for nothing serious.
Cunha sustained a hamstring issue that Amorim later suggested resulted from completing the entire Carabao Cup encounter. Mason Mount also remained absent for the second period, with the United manager confirming that having already lost Cunha, he refused to risk another injury.
"I'm uncertain. We'll assess them," he informed reporters afterward when questioned about the fitness concerns.
Benjamin Šeško Could Be a Slow Burner
Interestingly when Cunha departed, Benjamin Šeško wasn't introduced as his replacement. Instead, Amorim opted for Joshua Zirkzee, who missed pre-season due to injury and only appeared briefly against Grimsby during midweek.
It appears United are exercising patience with Šeško, avoiding the kind of expectations that Rasmus Højlund frequently faced due to limited alternatives.
Šeško featured from the start against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup before returning to substitute duties in Premier League action. When he entered the game, the expensive signing created two opportunities that might have sealed victory earlier, demonstrating excellent positioning and awareness in the penalty area, but failing to convert both chances and missing the target.
Those two headers represented a quarter of his total ball contacts (8) during 18 minutes plus additional time. It's evident he's a penalty area specialist who won't typically contribute to general play. He'll therefore depend on quality delivery, though his finishing requires improvement.
Still No André Onana
Also returning to substitute duties after starting midweek was André Onana, indicating the Cameroon goalkeeper must prove considerably more before regaining his regular position—if that ever occurs.
Onana endured a difficult evening against Grimsby, as United trailed 2–0 during regulation time, before conceding 12 times during the penalty shootout.
Altay Bayındır has served as the Premier League goalkeeper during these early season weeks, starting all three matches thus far. However, he hasn't been exceptional, facing criticism for a mistake against Arsenal that contributed to their only goal, and continuing to appear uncertain when dealing with aerial balls.
United have been linked with signing Senne Lammens from Antwerp before Monday's transfer deadline, which would complicate matters further should that transaction materialize.