United Snatch Victory in the 90+7th Minute! A Direct Reply to Amorim’s Words?

A game where the hosts took the lead three different times.

Manchester United entered this clash under immense pressure. Last season they were Europe’s biggest disappointment, and this one started no better — two winless league games followed by a humiliating League Cup exit to fourth-division Grimsby. In the aftermath, Ruben Amorim even claimed United’s football was “a clear statement from the players.”

With nowhere left to fall, United finally showed some intent at Old Trafford against Burnley. The hosts attacked aggressively, fired plenty of shots, and allowed almost nothing in the first half — just two off-target attempts. Mason Mount stood out again and even won a penalty, though it was overturned by VAR after a review showed mutual contact with Walker.

United still got their breakthrough before the break. After a free-kick cross, Casemiro’s header struck the bar, bounced back into play, and eventually ended up in the net off Josh Cullen for an own goal. Despite losing Cunha to injury, United could have doubled their lead before halftime, but Dubravka denied Amad Diallo’s dangerous strike.

The real drama came after the interval. Burnley woke up and equalized in the 55th minute when Larsen whipped in a cross from the right and Foster smashed it home from close range. Almost immediately, though, United restored their lead — just two minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo scored with a first-time finish from a cutback. That was actually United’s first goal scored by their own player this season, with all previous ones coming via opponent own goals.

Burnley weren’t finished. Foster thought he had a brace, but it was ruled out for the narrowest of offsides. Moments later, however, Antony’s shot deflected twice before creeping in — 2-2. Once again, Benjamin Šeško came on from the bench, but he had little impact, with a pair of late headed chances (86th and 87th minutes) from awkward positions.

Finally, in stoppage time, the decisive moment arrived. In the 90+7th minute, Diallo was tugged by Antony inside the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Bruno Fernandes, under heavy criticism at the start of this season, stepped up and converted. Relief, at last, for United.

Whether you call it heroic or simply desperate, the win was vital. And next up? A Manchester derby against City in the following round.

Published by Patrick Jane
31.08.2025