A first victory of the season finally came for Manchester United, as they beat Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford. A crucial Bryan Mbeumo goal highlighted an improved performance from the Red Devils on Saturday, August 30.
The match was ultimately decided by Bruno Fernandes, who scored an injury-time penalty to seal the win, redeeming himself after he missed a penalty against Fulham the previous weekend.
Manchester United played enterprising football and had more than 25 attempts at the Burnley goal.
There has been a significant improvement in United’s football under Ruben Amorim as far as the visual experience is concerned. However, the results have not been as encouraging. Amorim will hope that the win against Burnley will start off a resurgence.
Bryan Mbeumo Goal and Amad’s Energy Lift Manchester United
United started with the same 3-2-4-1 formation with only one change in personnel, with Diogo Dalot replacing Patrick Dorgu. With Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes in a somewhat awkward double-pivot, the Red Devils mainly played off a low block in the first half.
The intent was to play through balls and long, diagonal balls from inside their own half to the wingers, especially to Mbeumo on the right flank. United often managed to break the lines with such passes.
The Amad-Mbeumo axis on the right was tireless, as both of them cut inside from the right flank to take shots off their preferred left feet. Both Mbeumo and Amad were denied by Burnley’s very impressive goalkeeper.
United were not as effective down the left, with Mason Mount and Dalot playing slightly out of position. Mount still managed to earn United a penalty with his high-press, but it was negated by VAR. The Red Devils got a somewhat lucky goal from a free-kick, as Casemiro’s header hit the bar only to be ricocheted off a defender’s back into the Burnley goal.
Matheus Cunha then got injured and had to be replaced by Joshua Zirkzee.
Mbeumo, playing as the right-sided No. 10, continued his impressive performance alongside Amad. He was tireless on the right flank and got his reward in the second half with a well-taken strike.
The Bryan Mbeumo goal was his second of the season and gave United belief, even as Burnley threatened with two goals of their own.
United kept playing literally a plethora of crosses into the opposition penalty box, one of which, at least, should have been converted by Benjamin Sesko, who had come in in place of Mason Mount.
Ultimately, though, the Red Devils managed to win a penalty and Fernandes scored from it to earn three valuable points from the match.
Of United’s three new signings, Cunha has already justified his acquisition. Mbeumo’s performance on Saturday must have satisfied Amorim a great deal. Amad also shone to demonstrate his unquestionable abilities once again.
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A Crucial Derby Incoming
The Manchester Derby will happen in two weeks’ time. It will be a chance for Amorim’s men to improve upon their current tally of four points from three matches.
It will also present them with an opportunity to show that the win over Burnley did not come as a fluke.
United will want at least a point from their next match at the Etihad Stadium. Man City remain the favourites, but Amorim will hope for more of the same – including another decisive Bryan Mbeumo goal – to show that the Burnley win was the start of a resurgence.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 30.08.2025