Manchester United ended their three-game losing streak by beating Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor with Jonny Evans setting up Bruno Fernandes’ stunning volleyed winner to ease the pressure on Erik ten Hag.
Evans, making his first start for Man Utd in more than eight years, picked out Fernandes with an inch-perfect pass from his weaker left foot having earlier seen a goal ruled out for offside by VAR. The Man Utd captain’s sweet strike secured the breakthrough (45) after a nervy first half for his side.
Zeki Amdouni, who scored in Monday night’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest, was denied by an impressive Andre Onana save before hitting the post with Burnley looking the more likely in the opening period. Fernandes also had a strike stopped by James Trafford early on but United were second best.
Burnley failed to recover from the setback and Man Utd, although unconvincing, secured a much-needed win on the road after conceding at least three goals in their last three matches. Questions were raised when Evans’ inclusion was announced but the 35-year-old central defender produced an assured performance at the back to boost Ten Hag following a difficult week.
Man Utd move up to eighth in the Premier League, while Burnley are bottom and still waiting for their first win since promotion.
How Man Utd got back on track at Turf Moor
Captain Bruno Fernandes was the match-winner for Man Utd at Burnley
Ten Hag billed this as a must-win game for Man Utd after a run of three disappointing defeats. There was an early response from his side as they nicked possession off Burnley in their own half on a few occasions early on. Fernandes stung the paws of Trafford as Marcus Rashford found the side-netting.
Burnley were unperturbed by their early mistakes as they took control of the game. Under-fire goalkeeper Onana made amends for his howler in Munich with a diving stop from Amdouni’s low header after 10 minutes. The Switzerland international hit the post six minutes later to turn the heat up on a nervous United side.
Evans thought he had scored his first Man Utd goal in the Premier League since 2012 when he headed in Sergio Reguilon’s corner after 25 minutes. VAR then ruled it out with Rasmus Hojlund deemed to have impeded Burnley ‘keeper Trafford from an offside position.
Jonny Evans thought he had scored until VAR ruled his goal out for offside
Man Utd’s latest setback involving VAR threatened to derail them as Burnley grew in confidence. However, Evans stepped up with a moment of magic to assist Fernandes for a superb volley just before half-time. It was the 35-year-old defender’s first league assist for United since February 2013, which was for Wayne Rooney.
Hojlund was a whisker away from converting Diogo Dalot’s drilled cross after the restart and came close again when set up by Rashford’s header 10 minutes later. Burnley, though, were subdued in the second half as they struggled to respond to going a goal behind.
Fernandes celebrates his goal against Burnley
Man Utd risked inviting more pressure from the hosts as they failed to hold onto the ball in the second period but Burnley were unable to capitalise. Luca Koleosho, Burnley’s 19-year-old winger, was their brightest spark but when Vincent Kompany decided to bring off the teenager with 15 minutes to go the home side lost much of their threat.
There were chances for the visitors on the break but they lacked the killer punch with Hojlund and Rashford both indecisive in the final third. Sofyan Amrabat was introduced for his first Man Utd appearance off the bench to play at left-back in the closing stages after Reguilon picked up a knock. He rode his luck as a nervy foul late on went unpunished by Burnley.
It was far from convincing but Man Utd returned to winning ways to restore confidence after a difficult start. Burnley, though, will be wondering how long their wait for a first Premier League win will go on.
What’s next?
Burnley visit Salford City on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup second round at 7.45pm before visiting Newcastle on Saturday in the Premier League at 3pm.
Crystal Palace visit Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday (kick off 8pm) before returning to Old Trafford on Saturday to face Erik ten Hag’s side in the Premier League at 3pm.