By Emeka Blast 
Manchester United Triumph in Nail-Biting Clash Against Burnley
Manchester, UK – Manchester United clinched a dramatic 3-2 win over Burnley in a Premier League Matchday 3 clash at Old Trafford on Saturday, August 30, 2025, ending their winless start to the 2025-26 season. A late penalty from Bruno Fernandes sealed the victory in a match marked by contentious VAR decisions and five goals, with United overcoming a resilient Burnley side to claim their first three points, moving to 13th in the standings.
The game exploded into life early when Kyle Walker’s own goal, off a Casemiro header from Fernandes’ free-kick, gave United a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute, as posted by @ManUtd on X. Burnley responded swiftly, with Josh Cullen’s own goal in the 27th minute leveling the score at 1-1, per www.live-result.com. The second half saw Burnley take the lead through Lyle Foster’s clinical finish in the 55th minute (2-1), only for Bryan Mbeumo to equalize for United two minutes later with a powerful strike, assisted by Joshua Zirkzee (2-2).
The decisive moment came in the 90th minute when a VAR review awarded United a penalty after Mason Mount was fouled by Kyle Walker. Fernandes converted coolly, sparking wild celebrations and securing a 3-2 win, despite yellow cards for Fernandes, Foster, Jaidon Anthony, and Loum Tchaouna in a heated finale, per NDTV Sports. United held 60% possession, firing 20 shots (six on target) to Burnley’s five (two on target), with six corners to one, per Sofascore.
VAR played a pivotal role, overturning a penalty initially awarded to United in the 16th minute after a review deemed no foul, prompting boos from the home crowd, as noted by @ManUtd on X. Burnley’s disallowed equalizer in the 66th minute for offside further fueled tensions, with manager Scott Parker lamenting “tough calls” in his post-match comments, per Flashscore. United’s attacking intent shone through, with Mbeumo’s two chances in quick succession—saved by Martin Dubravka and narrowly wide—highlighting their threat, per @ManUtd.
Injuries marred United’s preparations, with Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui absent, though Benjamin Sesko’s first start offered promise, per www.manutd.com. Burnley, missing Jordan Beyer, Connor Roberts, and Zeki Amdouni, relied on Anthony’s pace, with the winger scoring in the 66th minute to briefly level the score, per VAVEL.
The Old Trafford faithful roared their approval, with @ManUtd tweeting, “BRUNO DELIVERS! 💪 Penalty sealed, 3-2! #MUFC.” Fans like @UnitedFanatic celebrated, posting, “Fernandes is clutch! First win, let’s build on this! 🔥,” while @ClaretsLad rued, “VAR killed us, but we fought hard.” Pundit David May, via www.manutd.com, backed Sesko to shine, a prediction vindicated by his assist. VAVEL’s Lorena Solórzano called it “a thrilling encounter,” noting United’s resilience after their midweek Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town.
The win lifts United to 13th with four points, easing pressure on manager Ruben Amorim ahead of the international break, while Burnley, 10th with three points, face Derby County next. The match, broadcast on MUTV and covered live by Goal.com, showcased United’s attacking potential but exposed defensive frailties, setting the stage for a crucial September. Burnley’s spirited display, despite the loss, signals their intent to compete in the Premier League.
