After a humiliating 12-11 penalty shootout loss to League Two's Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, Manchester United desperately needed a win against newly-promoted Burnley in the Premier League. Enter Ruben Amorim's United—a team that seems to thrive on drama.

What unfolded at Old Trafford on Saturday was anything but dull: a breathtaking late penalty from Bruno Fernandes sealed the game in a nail-biting finish.

The match kicked off with a controversial moment as United was initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Mason Mount, only for VAR to overturn the decision. Luck then swung United's way when an own goal from Josh Cullen put them ahead, followed by Matheus Cunha going off injured before halftime.

As the second half progressed, Lyle Foster equalized for Burnley, but Bryan Mbeumo quickly restored United's lead, scoring just two minutes later. Foster seemed poised to level again, but his goal was ruled offside, only for Jaidon Anthony to finally pull Burnley level at 2-2.

The tension peaked in the seventh minute of stoppage time when VAR intervened again. This time, Anthony was penalized for pulling Amad's shirt in the box, leading to Fernandes stepping up to the spot—and the United captain delivered, clinching a crucial victory for Amorim's side.

Amorim’s Mixed Emotions After a Narrow Escape

Following the match, Amorim expressed mixed feelings. "The only way we fix this is by winning games," he noted in the matchday program. United's first win of the season, albeit in dramatic fashion, provides some breathing room but raises more questions than answers about the team's trajectory as they head into the international break.

Starting strong but lacking the killer instinct has been United's mantra this season, leaving fans frustrated. The team battled hard, managing to pull off the win, yet it’s clear that a more convincing performance is essential.

Injury Scare for Star Signing Cunha

The atmosphere turned tense around the 30-minute mark when Cunha, United's $83.7 million summer acquisition, fell to the ground with a suspected muscle injury after chasing a long ball. This setback raised eyebrows as he was instantly ruled out, leaving Amorim visibly concerned. Once seen as a player to ignite United's attacking prowess, Cunha's future at the club now hangs in the balance as he walks a tightrope between his return to fitness and missed opportunities.

Desperation Breeds Wild Celebrations

In a moment reflecting the pressure building on all sides, Fernandes was seen gesturing to the referee, urging immediate action as goal-line technology confirmed an own goal had given United an early lead. The sheer relief on his face upon scoring showed just how crucial this victory felt.

Mbeumo Finally Finds His Groove

Bringing some life into United's offense, Mbeumo dazzled with his performance. Less than 30 minutes in, he controlled the ball effortlessly only to see his curled shot saved. However, he played a key role in rallying United back into the match, ultimately putting his name on the scoresheet, showcasing his talent just when the team needed it most.

What They’re Saying

In his post-match remarks, Amorim praised his team's persistence: "I think we deserved to win. We created loads of chances and pushed until the very last minute. We deserved this win," he reflected. On the other side, Burnley manager Scott Parker criticized the VAR decision for the penalty, questioning the clarity of officiating in modern football and lamenting the increasingly isolated role of referees and linesmen.

What’s Next for United?

Up next, Manchester United faces a titanic clash against Manchester City in the Premier League on Sept 14—a challenge that could define their season.