Manchester United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford, with Bruno Fernandes converting a late penalty to seal the win. The game was filled with twists and turns, as Burnley twice came from behind to level the score. Ultimately, Fernandes’ spot-kick in added time proved decisive, lifting United to ninth in the Premier League.
Old Trafford witnessed a Premier League classic as Manchester United edged out Burnley 3-2 in a pulsating encounter, securing their first league win of the season in dramatic fashion. A late penalty, coolly converted by Bruno Fernandes in the dying moments of added time, proved to be the decisive moment in a game filled with twists, turns, and controversial decisions.
The match began with United eager to assert their dominance, but it was Burnley who initially frustrated the home side's attacking ambitions. However, United's pressure eventually told when Josh Cullen inadvertently turned the ball into his own net in the 27th minute, giving the Red Devils the lead. Despite the setback, Burnley showed resilience and determination, refusing to buckle under the weight of United's attacking threat.
The second half exploded into life with a flurry of goals. Bryan Mbeumo appeared to have swung the momentum in Burnley's favor with a well-taken goal in the 57th minute, leveling the score and injecting fresh belief into the Clarets' ranks. However, their joy was short-lived as Lyle Foster responded almost immediately, finding the net just 93 seconds later to put Burnley ahead. The game was now a breathless end-to-end affair, with both sides throwing caution to the wind in search of goals.
Foster's goal was not without controversy, as replays showed a very tight offside call that went against United. Undeterred, the visitors continued to press, and their persistence paid off when Jaidon Anthony restored parity in the 66th minute, sending the travelling fans into raptures. The game remained finely balanced as both teams searched for a winner, with chances falling at both ends.
Manchester United pushed hard in the final stages, with substitute Benjamin Sesko coming close to snatching a late goal, twice heading over the bar from promising positions. However, it was Fernandes who ultimately emerged as the hero for United. In the final moments of added time, Amad Diallo was adjudged to have been tugged back in the box by Anthony, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Fernandes, who had missed a penalty against Fulham the previous week, stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home, sending the Old Trafford crowd into a frenzy.
This dramatic victory lifts Manchester United to ninth in the Premier League table as they head into the international break, providing a much-needed boost after a difficult start to the season. For Burnley, the defeat sees them drop to 11th, leaving Scott Parker with plenty to ponder as his side searches for consistency in their return to the top flight. Despite the loss, Burnley can take heart from their spirited performance, demonstrating their ability to compete with the league's top teams. The match will be remembered as a classic encounter, showcasing the excitement and unpredictability of the Premier League.
Adding to the drama, a controversial offside call disallowed a Burnley goal, further fueling the tension at Old Trafford. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) played a crucial role in the decision, highlighting the increasing influence of technology in modern football.
Our skipper earns us three points at the death!
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 30, 2025
Data Debrief: The return of ‘Fergie time’
Although they were made to work for the win, United produced 3.54 expected goals (xG) from 26 shots to Burnley’s 1.2 xG from just six attempts.
Fernandes’ penalty, timed at 96:10, was United’s fourth-latest winning goal on Opta’s records in the Premier League (from 2006-07), and second-latest at home, after Scott McTominay against Brentford in October 2023 (96:11).
United also became the first side ever to see both of their first two goals of a Premier League season be own goals.
Indeed, they have benefitted from as many own goals in the Premier League this season (two) as they did in 2023-24 (zero) and 2024-25 (two) combined.