The Red Devils were much improved but needed a last-gasp spot-kick from their usual talisman to take the points after more goalkeeping woes
Lightning rarely strikes twice and Bruno Fernandes doesn't miss from the penalty spot two weeks in a row. So when the Manchester United captain took the ball in front of the Scoreboard End six days after ballooning a kick over the bar against Fulham, you knew he was going to score.
This time Fernandes buried the ball in the bottom corner and gave United an angst-ridden 3-2 win over Burnley, giving them their first victory of the season. They were actually more than deserving of the three points but they had to sweat to get them. An own goal from Josh Cullen put United in front after sustained pressure but Lyle Foster equalised in the second half, after the hosts had lost Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount to injuries.
Burnley's joy lasted no time at all as Bryan Mbeumo restored United's lead after a driving run from Diogo Dalot. But the Red Devils never make it easy for themselves and yet another mishap from Altay Bayindir gave the visitors a second equaliser, Jaidon Anthony pouncing after the goalkeeper had failed to catch or punch away a strike.
United threw everything at Burnley, including a wasteful Benjamin Sesko who missed two headers. But they got what they wanted when a VAR review gave them an added-time penalty, having been denied one in the first half. Fernandes made no mistake but more mistakes are almost guaranteed unless they sign a new goalkeeper.
GOAL rates Man United's players from Old Trafford…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Altay Bayindir (4/10):
Only put under pressure twice and both occasions resulted in goals. The second was particularly sloppy as he spilled a tame shot from Loum Tchaouna to the feet of Anthony. Before then he had looked surprisingly comfortable with his feet, and played his part in Mbeumo's goal with a long kick downfield. A shame that he could not do the basics with his hands.
Leny Yoro (6/10):
Had a good early header saved. Dealt with most of the problems Burnley posed him but was caught unawares for the first equaliser.
Matthijs de Ligt (5/10):
Didn't get back in position which led to Foster being unmarked for the first goal. Was part of the collective malaise for the second goal. And it was a real shame as he had previously done a fine job limiting Burnley to so few openings.
Luke Shaw (6/10):
Good in open play but failed to clear the danger from Walker's throw-in leading to the second goal.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Amad Diallo (7/10):
A big improvement on his display at Grimsby, causing lots of danger. Unlucky to not score from his volley but really should have netted earlier when Mbeumo put him on a plate. Made amends by winning the penalty.
Casemiro (6/10):
His presence helped United dominate large parts of the game and his header off the crossbar sparked the opener. However, his drop in intensity helped Burnley find their way back into it.
Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
Pulled United's strings throughout and rescued them at the death, scoring a last-minute penalty to relieve the pressure on his goalkeeper and his manager. A captain's performance.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
A mixed bag. Imprecise at times, to the frustration of the home crowd, but then made Mbeumo's goal by bulldozing forward. Made a similar move later in the game but bungled the pass.
Getty Images SportAttack
Bryan Mbeumo (8/10):
Brilliant from start to finish. Came mighty close to scoring twice before eventually doing so. His bright movement gave his team a constant outlet and always kept Burnley on their toes.
Matheus Cunha (6/10):
Made a positive start before being forced off injured midway through the first half. Glanced a header just wide and created lots of danger through the middle.
Mason Mount (8/10):
A thrilling display which justified him starting a third league game in a row but as luck would have it he had to come off at half-time. Pestered Walker, played a fine ball to Mbeumo nearly resulting in goal then headed off the bar.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Joshua Zirkzee (6/10):
His movement and passing freed up his team-mates even if he was a clear downgrade on Mbeumo. Played a fine pass to Mbeumo when Amad missed his sitter while his knockdown helped the Cameroonian eventually score. His own finishing, though, left a lot to be desired.
Kobbie Mainoo (5/10):
Not the performance to convince Amorim to give him a regular starting berth. Shanked a shot over the bar and did not create enough with his passing.
Benjamin Sesko (5/10):
The fact he did not start again must concern him but he did not prove his manager wrong, missing the target with two headers.
Noussair Mazraoui (N/A):
A late replacement for Yoro.
Ruben Amorim (6/10):
The performance he wanted to see but suffered too many anxious moments, underlining the need for more team discipline and above all for a new goalkeeper.
