Bruno Fernandes maintained composure to score a penalty in injury time and give Ruben Amorim’s team a crucial win over Burnley at Old Trafford.
After Altay Bayindir made another mistake that gave Jaidon Anthony the Clarets their second equaliser of the day, it appeared like United’s ongoing goalkeeping problems might cost them three points.
However, as the match moved into stoppage time, Anthony’s role for Scott Parker’s team changed from hero to villain.
Anthony grabbed the Ivorian’s jersey in an attempt to stop Amad’s run into the penalty area. The contact was initially outside the box, but it persisted until Amad bumped into it.
Video assistant referee (VAR) Stuart Attwell requested that referee Sam Barrott reconsider his initial judgement to wave away the penalty claims.
Barrott took four minutes to award the penalty, tell the fans of his choice, and remove Burnley players from the penalty area.
After missing from the spot at Fulham six days prior, Fernandes remained composed, inhaled deeply, and found the bottom corner.
Analysis of Manchester United: Win but significant issues for Amorim
The fact that some positive news was nearly immediately followed by a heaping helping of negative news was entirely consistent with United’s start to the season.
Just three minutes separated Matheus Cunha’s prolonged stint on the bench and Casemiro’s header striking Josh Cullen as it bounced over the crossbar.
The £62.5 million summer acquisition from Wolves pulled up clutching his hamstring while chasing a long ball downfield. After the briefest of checks, he headed straight to the dressing rooms after signalling that he had to get off.
Amorim, watching from his technical area, was so frustrated that he had to stop himself from hurling a nearby bottle of water down the touchline.
United will play again in two weeks, but their next opponents are Chelsea and Manchester City, followed shortly after by Liverpool.
Amorim had been certain that Mainoo should remain. That resolve probably wasn’t shaken because he ended up bringing him on at halftime to give captain Fernandes more chance to play forward.
However, that is not Amorim’s only problem.
Senne Lammens, Royal Antwerp’s custodian, is the subject of advanced talks; based on the evidence of the last week, a signing in that area is imperative.
In Wednesday’s historic EFL Cup victory over Amorim’s team at Blundell Park, Andre Onana gave League Two Grimsby a goal.
Today it was Bayindir’s time, and halfway through the second half he attempted, but was unable, to grab Loum Tchaouna’s shot.
The Turkey international made a last-ditch effort to catch the ball, but all he managed to do was pass it to Anthony, whose shot hit Mainoo and Bayindir once more before finding the net.
It appeared to be extremely expensive for Amorim and his crew; yet, this does not indicate that it should be disregarded.
Positives are evident from the outcome if there are any. The other is Bryan Mbeumo’s performance, who has adapted well to his new home after joining from Brentford for £65 million.
He made history by becoming the first member of Amorim’s team to score in the Premier League when he swept home a cross from Diogo Dalot.