Bruno Fernandes converted a controversial 97th-minute penalty to earn Manchester United their first win of the season, though the performance left manager Ruben Amorim with mixed feelings. The penalty was awarded after the referee, Sam Barrott, overturned his initial decision following a VAR review, judging that Jaidon Anthony had pulled down Amad Diallo. The spot-kick sent Old Trafford into raptures, but Burnley were left fuming.
United had taken a deserved first-half lead through an own goal by Josh Cullen, after Casemiro's header struck the bar and bounced in off the Burnley midfielder. However, poor finishing and defensive lapses allowed the visitors to fight back. Lyle Foster equalised with a close-range finish before Bryan Mbeumo restored United's lead, only for Anthony to bundle home a second equaliser for Burnley in a chaotic nine-minute spell.
The match was heading for a draw until the late drama. Amad went down in the box under Anthony's challenge, and after a pitchside review, Barrott awarded the penalty. Fernandes stepped up to beat Martin Dubravka and spark wild celebrations. Amorim, however, did not watch the penalty, a repeat of his behaviour during the Carabao Cup tie at Grimsby.
Earlier, United had an early penalty shout when Mason Mount was pulled back by Kyle Walker, but after a VAR review, Barrott ruled the foul occurred outside the box. The home side dominated possession and created chances but were unable to kill the game off. The win eases pressure ahead of the Manchester derby in two weeks.
