Bruno Fernandes scored a stunning volley to hand Manchester United a much-needed victory as they edged past winless Burnley in the Premier League.
After three straight losses, United needed a spark, and they got it when captain Fernandes scored a brilliant first-time volley off of Jonny Evans’ lofted pass on the 45th minute.
United won their third league game of the season, leaving Vincent Kompany’s team at the bottom of the standings with only one point after six games.
Burnley played some beautiful football at times, and Zeki Amdouni’s free header gave the visitors a scare before being pushed away by an outstretched Andre Onana.
When played in on goal by Aaron Ramsey, the Burnley striker’s low shot ricocheted off the base of the post.
Evans headed in a corner for United and appeared to have given them the lead, but the goal was disallowed by the VAR due to a foul by Rasmus Hojlund on United custodian James Trafford.
In the second half, Burnley pushed for an equaliser, and Sander Berge came close but missed the target, but United held on for the win.
United needed a win to get their sputtering season back on track after allowing three or more goals in each of their previous three defeats against Arsenal, Brighton, and Bayern Munich.
Although Marcus Rashford’s shot that went wide after 45 seconds suggested a revitalised Red Devils squad, overall it was another listless and listless performance from the champions.
Burnley got into it after Rashford’s early chance, and they might be left wondering what would have happened if Amdouni had scored on either of his first-half chances.
The Swiss striker, who also hit the post after a beautiful team move, had a header superbly saved by the under pressure custodian Onana.
The home team was playing some beautiful football before a late goal by Portuguese midfielder Fernandes sealed the game for the visitors.
The captain, who had earlier tested Trafford, shook off his defender, allowed Evans’ pinpoint pass to fall into his path, and then blasted an unstoppable volley into the bottom corner.
In stoppage time, Fernandes had a second, even better chance to score, but Trafford blocked his hook shot.
After making his first United start since March 2015, defender Evans returned to the club this summer, but his goal was disallowed due to the use of video review technology.
Burnley will be hoping to improve on last season’s seventh place finish, where Northern Ireland international Kevin McDonald played for Leicester.
So far this season, they have lost all four of their home contests, and it took them nine games to get their first win before being relegated to the Championship in 2021-22.
