Bruno Fernandes scored a dramatic 96th-minute penalty as Manchester United scraped past Burnley 3-2 at Old Trafford in a game manager Ruben Amorim had labelled a “must win.”
Amorim, under heavy pressure following United’s embarrassing Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town in midweek, demanded that “something had to change.” But his side once again showed the same flaws that have haunted his tenure, needing late drama to claim victory.
Burnley equalised twice in a pulsating contest and looked set to earn a deserved point until Amad Diallo won a contentious injury-time penalty.
The winger was tugged by Jaidon Anthony as he burst into the box, and after a lengthy VAR review, referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot.
Fernandes, who missed a penalty at Fulham just six days earlier, held his nerve this time, sending goalkeeper James Trafford the wrong way with a cool finish into the bottom corner.
Earlier, United’s goalkeeping struggles continued when Altay Bayindir’s error handed Anthony Burnley’s second equaliser, cancelling out strikes from Marcus Rashford and Fernandes.
But Anthony, Burnley’s hero moments earlier, turned villain in stoppage time with the foul on Amad that swung the game in United’s favour.
The win relieves some pressure on Amorim, though United’s unconvincing display will do little to silence doubts over his stewardship.
