When Bruno Fernandes turned and ran towards an adoring Manchester United audience, a collective sigh of relief sat comfortably alongside a unified tone of celebration following his game-winning penalty against Burnley.
The result ensured that Ruben Amorim’s men collected three Premier League points for the first time this season ahead of the impending rounds of international fixtures.
Although mainstream media would attempt to shift towards yet another sour-tasting narrative, even Scott Parker weighed in, reminding a predetermined audience about the nature of the home side’s display.
Expectedly, the manner of Old Trafford celebrations was belittled far and wide, with plenty jumping to remind the Reds of the calibre of their opposition. But while a visibly emotional Fernandes acknowledged those in attendance, much of the moment was a by-product of the previous two weeks.
Frustrated in defeat against Arsenal, lacklustre in a draw following an excellent start against Fulham, and shambolic in the capitulation at Blundell Park, many have written this team off before the season has had a chance to bloom.
But this is nothing new for the 20-time English champions.
The domination during Sir Alex Ferguson’s tenure has ensured that every fall from grace will be amplified, and every successful outing will be dissected to within an inch of its life, inevitably sucking as much joy as possible before driving further division within a disunited fanbase.
In all honesty, even the most red-tinted opinion will highlight the deficiencies on display throughout Saturday’s contest.
Still, there was ample evidence of further growth within this team, and even though it has become somewhat of a frustrating trend, United could have won by four or five on another day.
This is a side that creates plenty of opportunities, and surely, even the most hardened of begrudgers can identify the benefits of this.
Manchester United were more than good value in Burnley win
On the surface, an injury-time penalty to secure victory against a newly-promoted side offers cause for concern, but there is far more than meets the eye here.
Some may label this fixture as a story of two halves, and that would be a fair assessment if you factor nothing more than the scoreline as the basis of your statement.
Amorim asked for a response from his team befitting the venue. But for two questionable moments in defence, he got that and more on an afternoon where his side controlled the majority of possession, created multiple scoring opportunities, and dazzled in attacking transitions.
As we know, the Premier League is the most competitive division in football, and any error is usually capitalised upon emphatically.
Heading into the dressing room at the break, United may have held a 1-0 lead, but the resounding question circulated how the gap wasn’t by a greater margin.
| First half statistics | Manchester United | Burnley |
| Possession | 59% | 41% |
| Total shots | 15 | 2 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 1.60 | 0.20 |
| Passes | 247 | 169 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 0 | 5 |
| Corner kicks | 5 | 0 |
Whether through the competence of an assured back line, the flair and flamboyancy of Amad, the playmaking abilities of Fernandes and Mason Mount, or the tireless attacking running of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, this was a half of football resembling the domination displayed against Arsenal.
For those who choose to lament Amorim for his stubborn intentions regarding tactical philosophy, he can do no more than position his players to put the ball in the back of the net. The rest is on them.
A staggering tally of 15 efforts on goal eclipses many of last season’s totals throughout 90 minutes.
How any accredited journalist could suggest a ‘lack of control’ is utterly bewildering to me. That said, sensationalism sells, and as I reminded a certain individual during the week, we are all aware of those who dine at its table.
| Second half statistics | Manchester United | Burnley |
| Possession | 64% | 36% |
| Total shots | 11 | 4 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 2.03 | 1.00 |
| Passes | 261 | 141 |
| Goalkeeper saves | 1 | 0 |
| Corner kicks | 2 | 1 |
Frustratingly, two moments of questionable defensive decisions made more of a game than this merited, and that is, unfortunately, a hallmark of Manchester United in recent years.
However, it is important to note that many of those sides would wilt under pressure and often succumb to defeat.
That was not the case at the Theatre of Dreams on Saturday. Although Cunha and Mount were lost through injury, Joshua Zirkzee, Kobbie Mainoo, and Benjamin Sesko continued a relentless assault on Martin Dubravka’s goal.
This team commitment must be recognised and applauded.
Ruben will know there is more to be done and total dedication required, regardless of the opposition. But is it really the worst thing in the world to acknowledge a stirring showing against any Premier League outfit?
Remember, United have fashioned 58 efforts on goal from three league fixtures. If you continue to create opportunities, you will eventually find the net regularly.
Everything from mainstream clickbait to social media sensationalism is attempting to capture its pound of flesh. They don’t need the help of the Manchester United faithful.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels.
Photo by Izzy Poles/News Images via depositphotos.com. Statistics via sofascore.com.
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