With storm clouds gathering over Old Trafford thanks to an embarrassing midweek cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town and increasing speculation surrounding Ruben Amorim’s future, United responded in formidable fashion here.
The hosts flew out of the traps with Martin Dubravka forced into a flurry of early saves to deny Leny Yoro, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
The latter then fired another presentable chance wide, before the Red Devils were left feeling aggrieved as a penalty initially awarded for a challenge from Kyle Walker on Mason Mount was overturned after a VAR review that delayed the game for over five minutes.
Undeterred, United finally got the reward their play deserved on 27’, albeit in fortuitous circumstances. Casemiro turned Fernandes’ free-kick against the crossbar, with the rebound hitting the unfortunate Josh Cullen and creeping over the line.
An injury to Cunha shortly thereafter opened the door for Burnley, but former United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri fired their only chance of the half over the bar.
That proved only a temporary pause to the Red Devils’ dominance, with Mount heading against the bar before Amad’s fearsome volley forced Dubravka into his best save of the half.
Scott Parker’s men were extremely fortunate to only trail by one at the break, with Amad squandering a gilt-edged chance in stoppage time as he fired off target with the goal gaping after being played in by Mbeumo.
Following the restart, momentum deserted United, and the Clarets’ improvement earned them an equaliser. Jacob Bruun Larsen found space on the right and delivered a pinpoint cross that was met by Lyle Foster, who stabbed home his first Premier League goal since April 2024.
Parity would last less than two minutes, as United raced forward from kick-off and restored their lead. Dalot was released by Joshua Zirkzee down the left, and squared for Mbeumo slot home his second goal in as many games, while he also became the first Red Devils player to find the net in the league this season.
Foster had a goal ruled out almost immediately afterwards to cap off a frantic passage of play, before Fernandes volleyed inches wide of the target as chances continued to flow.
That suited the visitors, who equalised for the second time when a long throw sparked a scramble in the six-yard area, with Jaidon Anthony prodding home from close range via a pair of deflections.
The onus was on Amorim’s men once more, and they piled the pressure on in the closing stages only for Benjamin Sesko to squander two big chances to secure victory.
However, one final chance came the hosts’ way when Anthony hauled Amad down inside the area, and Fernandes atoned for his miss from 12 yards against Fulham last week by finding the bottom corner to seal victory for United.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)
