Manchester United Edge Past Burnley 3-2 in Thrilling EPL Encounter

Manchester United secured their first win of the season with a dramatic 3-2 victory over newly-promoted Burnley, thanks to a 97th-minute penalty from Bruno Fernandes. The win comes as a huge relief for under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim, who had been facing mounting criticism after United’s midweek League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby.

The match at Old Trafford saw United twice relinquish the lead, but Fernandes’ stoppage-time penalty—awarded after a VAR review for a foul on Amad Diallo—sealed the crucial three points. Fernandes, who had missed a penalty in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Fulham, made no mistake this time.

United’s victory lifts them to four points from their opening three Premier League matches, easing the pressure on Amorim ahead of the international break. Despite a disastrous loss to Grimsby earlier in the week, Amorim’s side showed determination, though they still looked fragile at times, especially in defense.

United had struggled early in the game, with Burnley’s Bryan Mbeumo denied a goal by goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. The Red Devils had a penalty overturned by VAR after Mason Mount was adjudged to have gone down too easily under a challenge by Kyle Walker. United’s breakthrough came from an own goal, as Casemiro’s header bounced off the bar and into the net off Burnley’s Josh Cullen.

Before halftime, United should have doubled their lead, but Amad Diallo wasted a golden opportunity. Burnley, however, were quick to level things up in the second half when Lyle Foster met Jacob Bruun Larsen’s cross to make it 1-1. United responded immediately, with Mbeumo scoring from Diogo Dalot’s cross to put them ahead once more.

But Burnley’s resilience showed, and after an equalizer from Jaidon Anthony, United’s hopes of a win seemed dashed. Amorim then introduced £74 million signing Benjamin Sesko for the final 15 minutes in search of a winner, but the Slovenian striker missed two headed chances.

With time running out, United were awarded a penalty after a VAR check revealed a pull on Diallo inside the box by Burnley’s Anthony. Fernandes converted the penalty, securing the win and relieving some of the pressure on Amorim.

For Burnley, the loss leaves them with just three points from their first three games of the season, as they continue to struggle in the top flight.