Bruno Fernandes provided a much-needed lifeline for Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim with a last-minute penalty that secured a 3-2 victory over Burnley at Old Trafford. This win comes on the heels of a shocking League Cup exit against Grimsby, a fourth-tier side, which had left the team and its coach under intense scrutiny.
Just days after the Grimsby debacle, United faced the prospect of another disappointing result as newly promoted Burnley twice came from behind. Amorim, who had publicly expressed his frustrations and doubts about continuing in his role, found some relief as Fernandes converted the decisive penalty seven minutes into stoppage time.
The victory marks United’s first in three league games this season, offering Amorim a temporary reprieve as the team heads into the international break. However, the match highlighted ongoing issues, with United’s performance raising questions about the Portuguese coach’s strategies and the team’s consistency.
United’s Rollercoaster Match
United took the lead in the 26th minute under fortuitous circumstances. A header from Casemiro hit the crossbar and then ricocheted off Burnley captain Josh Cullen’s back, crossing the line before Burnley’s goalkeeper Martin Dubravka could intervene. Burnley equalized in the 55th minute with a goal from Lyle Foster, who finished a cross from Jacob Bruun Larsen.
United quickly regained the lead as Bryan Mbeumo scored just 15 seconds later, converting a cutback from Diogo Dalot. However, United’s defensive vulnerabilities were exposed once more when Jaidon Anthony leveled the score in the 66th minute.
The match’s climax came when Anthony fouled Amad Diallo in the penalty area, a decision confirmed after a lengthy VAR review. Fernandes capitalized on the opportunity, securing the win and providing Amorim with a much-needed “get out of jail card,” as described by former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock.
“They have been poor in the second half and Burnley have been the better side and looked very comfortable,” Warnock commented on ‘Final Score’. “That is a moment that could change United’s season and give them that bit of momentum.”
Chelsea’s VAR-Influenced Victory
Elsewhere, Chelsea capitalized on controversial VAR decisions to defeat Fulham 2-0, moving to the top of the Premier League table. The match at Stamford Bridge saw Fulham denied a first-half goal after VAR ruled Rodrigo Muniz’s accidental collision with Trevoh Chalobah as a foul.
Former Premier League defender Curtis Davies expressed his disbelief on BBC Radio 5 Live, stating,
“I’m fuming and I’m a defender and usually I’m on the side of the defender. Trevor Chalobah has gone for a tackle that was never in his favour. Rodrigo Muniz takes the ball and accidentally steps on his foot. I don’t know how that’s a foul, never mind taking off the goal. It’s ridiculous.”
Chelsea’s Joao Pedro scored beyond the scheduled stoppage time in the first half, adding to Fulham’s frustrations. The controversy continued as Chelsea’s second goal was awarded following a VAR review that penalized Ryan Sessegnon for handball, allowing Enzo Fernandez to score from the penalty spot.
Fulham manager Marco Silva voiced his frustration post-match, saying,
“How you disallow a goal like that is unbelievable. We have meetings with referee and people in charge, we all want to win. VAR is not here to re-referee the game.”
Other Premier League Results
Meanwhile, Tottenham suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bournemouth, ending Thomas Frank’s strong start as manager. Evanilson’s deflected shot in the fifth minute secured Bournemouth’s second win of the season. Despite winning their first two league games, Spurs struggled to find the net against a determined Bournemouth side.
Everton emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-2 win over Wolves at Molineux, with Jack Grealish playing a pivotal role. Beto, Iliman Ndiaye, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall scored for Everton, while Wolves’ goals came from Hwang Hee-chan and Rodrigo Gomes.
Newcastle’s struggles continued with a goalless draw against Leeds, as the team remains winless this season. New signing Nick Woltemade watched from the stands, with speculation mounting about Alexander Isak’s potential move to Liverpool.
In a dramatic comeback, Sunderland defeated Brentford 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, thanks to Wilson Isidor’s stoppage-time header.
The Premier League action this weekend highlighted the impact of VAR on crucial match outcomes, leaving fans and managers alike questioning the technology’s role in the modern game. As teams head into the international break, the controversies and performances will undoubtedly be topics of discussion and analysis.
