Bruno Fernandez proved to be Manchester United’s savior with a final gasp penalty to secure three points against Burnley at Old Trafford. The Red Devils were forced to Huff and Puff on another day providing more questions than answers.
After mid-week humiliation, United started on the front paws and took the game to newly promoted Burnley. The breakthrough finally arrived midway through the first half, when Casemiro’s header left the crossbar and slammed into Burnley’s defender Josh Cullen, causing the line to creep up. Martin Dubravka did his best to reach out to the ball, but Goalline Technology took control of United in his favour, giving the hosts the lead.
United struggled to match the intensity from early in the second half, and Burnley was justified 10 minutes after the reboot. It sparked a wild end-to-end contest. Brian Mbemo quickly moved United forward again.
Express player ratings from Manchester United’s clash with Burnley.
Altay Bayindir -4
It was a disastrous week for United goalkeepers, but Altai Bayindeal fired again. The Turkish shotstopper wasn’t confident in his first Burnley equalizer, but it was a Bay Indeal fight.
Renee Yoro-7
He got caught up in his toes for a second Burnley goal when he should have cleared the danger before falling to goalscorer Anthony. That was the only drawback for the 20-year-old to an otherwise solid performance.
Matthijs de ligt -6
While there is still work to do as a central defender in a back three setup, Matthijs de Ligt has grown into that role and has proven to be useful in the future.
Luke Show-6
Recently, I’ve been enjoying solid fitness after a gloomy time of things. For Lukeshaw, that’s all he can ask for at this point.
Amad Diallo -5
There was a great chance to (probably) put the game in bed in the extra time in the first half, but Amadodiaro burned his efforts against the crossbar. Not his best show at United Red.
Casemiro -6
Although he was unlucky and had not opened up points in his first half header, Casemiro sometimes saw his age in matches. What will Amorim do to rewind the body clock of Casemiro?
Bruno Fernandez-7
Despite issues elsewhere, Bruno Fernandez remains a class operator in the heart of United. He kept his cool, banishing the demon last week to slot a penalty home, giving United a nervous victory.
Diogo Dalot -5
He couldn’t close the cross, leading to Foster’s goal and looked everywhere as he was under pressure from Burnley Wide players. Diogo Darott was not the performance he wanted after struggling during his mid-week defeat with Grimsby.
Bryan Mbeumo -7
He had the joy of winning United’s first goal for the season (the previous two were my goals), and seemed a threat throughout the contest. He arrived at a large price tag, but he has been impressed with the spell so far.
Matheus Cunha -6
It continued just 30 minutes before I headed down the tunnel with what appears to be a hamstring injury. Matheus Cunha has looked bright in a United shirt so far, but Amorim is sweating on the fitness of Brazil International.
Mason Mount-8
With the bright spark of United’s season so far, Mason Mount looks like one of the only beneficiaries of Amorim’s highly misused system. Perhaps the standout player in the first half, the former Chelsea ace, was unlucky that he couldn’t find the back of the net in the header that hit the crossbar. Injury tips will hit Amorim and co.
Alternatives:
Joshua Zirkusy-6
It was touched when he would be better off blowing the ball back into the net at 1-0, but Joshua Zilky helped him tickete things in the final third as he unbenched for the injured Cunha.
Kobbie Mainoo -7
United fans showed they had a glimpse into why they were so devastated to see him leave the club after coming during the break. If Mount’s injuries proved to be serious, Kobbie Mainoo could see a few minutes’ increase in the coming weeks.
Benjamin Sesco-4
When he came out of the bench he should have looked like Bambi on the ice again, and at least two goals. Benjamin Sesco should benefit from doubt when he just arrived in British football and you signed the £74 million marquee striker, but you can’t afford to miss out on the kind he could be.
Noussair Mazraoui -n/a
