Manchester United 3-2 Burnley: Bruno Fernandes Saves The Reds Once Again

Manchester United earned their first three points of the Premier League season after being pegged back twice by Burnley in a match that should not have caused us so much trouble. It was a dramatic end to Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford as Bruno Fernandes scored a stoppage-time winner to give us some respite going into the international break.

Dominant in attack

An expectant response by the players was needed after exiting the EFL Cup in midweek, and to give the Old Trafford faithful something to feel good about. We were dominant in the first half, controlling 60% of the possession as we fired 15 shots on goal, including four on target, when compared with Burnley’s two shots off target and winning five corners to their zero.

Matheus Cunha was the first to target the opposition’s Martin Dubravka as the Brazilian drove inside and hit a low strike from 25 yards to force the save. Our number 10 then put a header wide of the post from an Amad cross minutes later. United thought they had a penalty in the 16th minute when Mason Mount was sent falling to the ground inside the box by former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker. However, following the review by VAR, referee Sam Barrott was asked to review it at the pitchside monitor and subsequently overturned his original decision.

The Reds were able to draw first blood in the 27th minute after Diogo Dalot won a foul on the left wing. Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the free kick to fire the ball into the box to find the head of Casemiro. The Brazilian’s effort hit the crossbar, and the rebound came off Burnley’s Josh Cullen to go past Dubravka and the goal line.

We had several opportunities to extend our lead before half-time. Amad’s volley from 15 yards was superbly saved after being picked out in clear space from the corner by Fernandes. A quick counterattack ensued thereafter between Mbuemo, Zirkzee and Amad, but the latter would end missing the target after being put clear inside the box with his effort going over. United would go into the break with a 1-0 lead.

United come through in the end

Things changed up in the second half. Kobbie Mainoo entered the field to replace Mason Mount. Matheus Cunha had been forced off earlier in the first half, appearing to be in discomfort as he left the pitch. Burnley were starting to ask questions of our defence and got their reward when Lyle Foster snuck in behind Matthijs De Ligt and Luke Shaw to bring the Clarets level.

United struck back instantly, as within 13 seconds of the restart, Bryan Mbeumo scored his first goal for the Reds to restore our lead, converting Dalot’s cut-back pass inside the box. Burnley thought they had parity again with us, but a razor-thin offside meant Lyle Foster would not have his second goal of the match, as his elbow was deemed illegal in the offside.

The Clarets were to find their equaliser in the 66th minute – a long throw-in into the box by Kyle Walker, with Altay Bayindir initially saving Tchaouna’s effort. However, he could not keep hold of the ball, Jaidon Anthony then fired the ball into the net. Ruben Amorim then turned to Benjamin Šeško to add some firepower to our attack as the game went back and forth.

United continued to push for the late winner in the closing stages of the match. In the first minute of stoppage time, Amad’s shirt was pulled by Jaidon Anthony as the number 16 advanced inside the box. Initially, the referee awarded a goal kick to the opposition. He was then asked to review his decision at the pitchside monitor and subsequently awarded a penalty. Bruno Fernandes kept his cool and composure to put the ball into the bottom corner from the penalty kick to the delight of the Old Trafford faithful, earning us a much-needed 3 points.

Player Ratings & MOTM

Altay Bayindir – 5. Hardly tested in the first half. Poor handling led to Burnley scoring the second goal in the second half. There always seems to be some anxiety from any set piece or throw-in that is proving somewhat concerning. The goalkeeper position is an area that needs to see improvement.

Diogo Dalot – 6. Not sure what position he was supposed to be in for Burnley’s first goal. Made amends by providing the assist for Mbeumo’s goal. Lack of concentration during games is an issue.

Leny Yoro – 6. Good when in open play and handled most problems, but got caught in Burnley’s first equaliser.

Matthijs De Ligt – 5. Not in the correct position, which led to Lyle Foster being unmarked for the goal. Was part of the collective that led us to concede the second goal.

Luke Shaw – 6. Not troubled for the most part but failed to pick up Lyle Foster for Burnley’s first goal. Need to see more forward runs.

Casemiro – 7. His presence enabled to dominate the majority of the game. His header cannoned off the bar resulting in our opening goal.

Bruno Fernandes – 7.5. Pulled the strings for United and stepped in the pressure moment to score the penalty.

Amad Diallo – 7. A constant threat all game and should have doubled United’s lead in the first half. Won the penalty in stoppage time.

Mason Mount – 7. Great in deploying one touch moves and intensity with the pressing but luck was not on his side as he had to come off injured at half time

Matheus Cunha – 6.5. Had a positive starting causing issues for the opposition through the middle. He was forced off with an injury half way through the first half.

Bryan Mbeumo – 8 & MOTM. Superb from start to finish. Had the opportunity to score at least twice in the first half before getting his first goal for the club to restore our lead. His movement throughout gave his teammates an outlet and kept the opposition on their toes.

Subs:

Joshua Zirkzee – 7. His link-up play freed up his teammates into space. Should have scored himself but his finishing let him down.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6. His performance did not do enough to convince he should be in the starting eleven for the games going forward.

Benjamin Sesko – 6. Had moments showing what he can offer the side. .

Noussair Mazaroui – n/a. Helped United see out the game defensively.

Looking ahead

After the international break, we have big games coming up with the Manchester Derby and the following week at home to Chelsea to contend. This will be a huge test for Amorim and his squad.