Match report and free highlights as Manchester United claim their first September victory courtesy to Bruno Fernandes’ superb volley set up by Jonny Evans, who had a goal ruled out for offside by VAR on his first Man Utd start since 2015; Burnley remain bottom on a point as United move into ninth.
Manchester United defeated Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor, with Jonny Evans setting up Bruno Fernandes’ magnificent volleyed goal to relieve pressure on Erik ten Hag.
Evans, making his first start for Manchester United in more than eight years, found Fernandes with an inch-perfect pass from his weaker left foot after VAR ruled an earlier goal offside. After a tense first half for his team, the captain’s sweet strike (45) secured the breakthrough.
With Burnley looking the more likely in the first period, Zeki Amdouni, who scored in Monday night’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest, was denied by an exceptional Andre Onana save before hitting the post. Early on, Fernandes had a strike saved by James Trafford, but United were second best.
Burnley failed to recover from the loss, and Manchester United, while being unimpressive, gained a much-needed away win after surrendering at least three goals in their previous three outings. When Evans’ inclusion was confirmed, questions were raised, but the 35-year-old central defender delivered a confident display at the back to lift Ten Hag after a rough week.
Man United move up to seventh place in the Premier League, while Burnley remain at the bottom and have yet to win since their promotion.
Ten Hag described this as a must-win game for Manchester United after three consecutive defeats. His team showed glimpses of life early on, stealing ball from Burnley in their own half on several occasions. As Marcus Rashford found the side-netting, Fernandes stung Trafford’s paws.
Burnley seemed unconcerned with their early errors as they gained control of the game. After 10 minutes, under-fire goalkeeper Onana made apologies for his gaffe in Munich with a diving save from Amdouni’s low header. Six minutes later, the Switzerland international hit the post to put the pressure on a jittery United team.
Evans thought he’d scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester United since 2012 when he headed in Sergio Reguilon’s corner after 25 minutes. Rasmus Hojlund was deemed to have impeded Burnley goalkeeper Trafford from an offside position, thus VAR ruled it out.
Manchester United’s latest setback with VAR threatened to sink them as Burnley gained confidence. Evans, on the other hand, stepped up with a moment of magic to set up Fernandes for a beautiful volley shortly before halftime. It was the 35-year-old defender’s first league assist for United since setting up Wayne Rooney in February 2013.
After the restart, Hojlund was inches away from finishing Diogo Dalot’s drilled cross, and he came close again 10 minutes later when set up by Rashford’s header. Burnley, on the other hand, were subdued in the second half as they struggled to respond to falling behind.
Man United risked inviting additional pressure from the hosts by failing to keep possession of the ball in the second half, but Burnley were unable to capitalize. Burnley’s brightest spark, 19-year-old winger Luca Koleosho, was pulled off with 15 minutes to go, and the home side lost much of their threat.
The visitors had chances on the break, but lacked the killing punch, with Hojlund and Rashford both indecisive in the final third. After Reguilon was replaced, Sofyan Amrabat came off the bench for his maiden Manchester United game, playing at left-back in the dying moments. He rode his luck as a nervy foul late in the game went unpunished from a free-kick by Burnley.
It was far from convincing, but Manchester United returned to winning ways following a tough start. Burnley, on the other hand, will be wondering how long they will have to wait for their first Premier League victory.
