Manchester United clinched a dramatic 3–2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford thanks to a stoppage-time penalty amid VAR controversy. It was a tense affair that offered relief to boss Ruben Amorim—and plenty of talking points.
United took the lead in the 27th minute when Casemiro nodded down a Fernandes free-kick and the ball ricocheted off Josh Cullen into his own net. The visitors responded early in the second half through Lyle Foster, but just 93 seconds later Bryan Mbeumo restored United’s advantage. Burnley struck again in the 66th minute when Jaidon Anthony capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Altay Bayindir to level the match.
As the clock edged into stoppage time, tension mounted. A potential penalty earlier for United—when Mason Mount went down under pressure from Kyle Walker—was overturned after a VAR check. Then, in the dying seconds, VAR intervened again, spotting a shirt pull by Anthony on Amad Diallo inside the box. Referee Sam Barrott reviewed the incident on the pitch-side monitor and reversed his earlier decision to award United a penalty.
Bruno Fernandes held his nerve and slotted the penalty home deep into added time, securing United’s first win of the Premier League season.
Match in context
- Pressure on Amorim: Coming off a humiliating EFL Cup loss to League Two Grimsby, this victory was a vital response for a manager under early-season scrutiny.
- Defensive vulnerabilities: Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, United’s sloppy defending saw them repeatedly pegged back by Burnley.
- Fan support and relief: At full time, fans roared in relief, while Amorim admitted he preferred watching fans react to penalties rather than the actual spot kicks.
What now for both teams?
United head into the international break buoyed by their first win and with momentum briefly restored. However, ongoing defensive frailties and injury concerns—such as those affecting Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount—still loom large. For Burnley, the performance was a statement of character, even in defeat. Manager Scott Parker praised the effort, though the narrow loss will surely sting.
