First half: Penalty kick scare for Burnley
The match’s first big chance came when Burnley almost conceded an own goal after a Mason Mount corner. Dúbravka reacted quickly and dealt with the danger.
A mistake from the Burnley defence soon handed Mount another opportunity. Kyle Walker lost the ball but chased back and stopped him in the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, only for VAR to intervene and overturn the decision.
Burnley defence in trouble
Bruno Fernandes curled a freekick into the Burnley box, where Casemiro met it with a strong header. The ball struck the bar, bounced off Josh Cullen, and dropped over the line. Dúbravka managed to grab it, but the damage was already done. 1-0 Manchester United in the 27th minute.
Burnley pushed for an equaliser before halftime, yet failed to create any real problems for the home side.
Second half: Back-and-Forth Battle
In the second half, Burnley responded by putting pressure on Manchester United’s defence. Bruun Larsen got some space on the right wing, crossed it perfectly into the United penalty box, where Lyle Foster showed some great movement and scored the equaliser. We all know from our earlier stint in the Premier League what damage to the opposing side Foster and Bruun Larsen can do, and they showed it yet again. 1-1!
Moments later, Dalot combined with Zirkzee, burst past two Burnley defenders, and squared the ball to an unmarked Mbuemo. The United forward finished easily to restore the lead. Burnley cannot afford to leave players that open.
Burnley responding to Manchester United’s pressure
The Clarets came back once more. Kyle Walker launched a long throw into United’s penalty area, where Estève flicked it further on. Fresh substitute Loum Tchaouna pounced and fired a shot at goal. Bayindir blocked it, but Jaidon Anthony reacted quickest and tucked in the rebound for 2-2.
Anthony, now on his second goal of the season, continues to repay Scott Parker’s faith in him.
Stoppage time action: Penalty for Manchester United
It looked like Burnley was going home from Old Trafford with one point, but in stoppage time Amad Diallo fell to the ground in Burnley’s penalty area after Jaidon Anthony dragged his shirt. During the VAR review, some could argue that the foul was comitted outside the penalty area, but the referee signaled for a penalty. An unnecessary action from Anthony, since Hartman was close by and seemed to have Amad Diallo’s opportunity under control.
Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the penalty in the 97th minute, and fired off a low shot close to Dúbravka’s right post, making it 3-2 to Manchester United. Devastating for the Clarets, who fought hard until the very end.
Fulltime: Manchester United 3-2 Burnley
Not the best game for Burnley, but the players worked hard and showed motivation and responsiveness everytime Manchester United took the lead. You never know what opposition Manchester United is going to bring when facing them, and the result could be different if mistakes weren’t made by the Burnley defence.
With deadline day for the summer transfer window coming on Monday, September 1st, will Burnley look for reinforcements? The solid defending shown against Sunderland didn’t appear here, and one or two more signings could still be needed.