Manchester United finally picked up their long-awaited first victory of the Premier League campaign after edging Burnley in a pulsating 3-2 encounter at Old Trafford, a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very last minute. The dramatic triumph came courtesy of a composed Bruno Fernandes penalty deep into stoppage time, ensuring the Red Devils avoided further early-season disappointment and temporarily easing the growing pressure on manager Ruben Amorim.
After a nervy start to the game, United managed to break the deadlock in the 29th minute when a Fernandes free-kick was met by Casemiro. The Brazilian’s powerful header deflected off Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen before creeping past goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who desperately tried but failed to claw the ball away from crossing the line. The goal brought huge relief to the Old Trafford faithful, who have been anxiously awaiting signs of a turnaround following United’s poor run of form.
Burnley, however, were far from intimidated and struck back in the second half. Their equaliser came through Lyle Foster, who calmly converted Jens Larsen’s inch-perfect cross midway through the second period, silencing the home crowd and raising questions about United’s defensive organisation once again.
The hosts responded swiftly, showing the urgency their manager had been demanding. Diogo Dalot surged forward with determination before sliding the ball across the box for Bryan Mbeumo, who applied a tidy close-range finish to restore United’s lead. At this point, United fans hoped the worst was behind them, but Burnley were determined to spoil the party.
The visitors kept pressing and were rewarded when substitute Jaidon Anthony unleashed a shot that cruelly deflected off youngster Kobbie Mainoo, wrong-footing goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and levelling the match at 2-2. Burnley’s persistence looked set to earn them a deserved point, and United’s frustration threatened to boil over as the game ticked into stoppage time.
However, in a dramatic twist, VAR spotted a shirt pull by Burnley’s Antony on Amad Diallo inside the penalty area in the dying seconds. After a lengthy review, the referee pointed to the spot, handing United one final lifeline. The weight of the moment fell on Fernandes, who had missed a penalty just last week, but this time he showed remarkable composure to slot the ball home in the 97th minute, sparking wild celebrations inside Old Trafford.
The dramatic victory not only handed United their first league win of the season but also provided much-needed breathing space for Ruben Amorim, who had been under heavy scrutiny following a string of underwhelming performances, including an early Carabao Cup exit earlier in the week. While defensive frailties and lapses in concentration remain a concern, this result offered a glimpse of the fighting spirit United fans have been desperate to see.
For Burnley, the loss will sting after such a spirited display, but manager Vincent Kompany will take positives from his side’s resilience and attacking intent. As for United, the three points will be seen as a vital step in rebuilding confidence, with fans hoping it marks the beginning of a more consistent run in the league.