Rúben Amorim has been handed a headache he wished he had dealt with last season after Manchester United secured their first win of the 2025/26 season.
Rúben Amorim finally secured his first win of the season as a late Bruno Fernandes penalty gave Manchester United all three points against Burnley on Saturday.
United started brightly, with Bryan Mbeumo spurning a couple of chances and several penalty appeals waved away, before Josh Cullen’s own goal put the Reds ahead just before the half-hour. Matheus Cunha was forced off soon after, replaced by Joshua Zirkzee, but despite continued pressure, United couldn’t add a second before the break.
Early in the second half, Amorim introduced Kobbie Mainoo for Mason Mount, but Burnley struck back through Lyle Foster on 55 minutes. United responded instantly, Mbeumo restoring the lead straight from kick-off.
With 25 minutes remaining, Jaidon Anthony levelled again for the visitors, but deep into stoppage time, Amad was fouled in the box and Fernandes converted from the spot to seal United’s first victory of the campaign.
Zirkzee was very good against Burnley
When United lined up without a striker for their third Premier League game in a row, many undoubtedly questioned why Amorim had chosen to continue with the lack of a centre-forward despite the club’s goalscoring woes.
However, with Zirkzee unexpectedly joining the action after just half an hour following Cunha’s injury, United had much more physical presence and a focal point up front.
Zirkzee had 47 touches of the ball over his 59 minutes, and when United were at their best, he was very much involved in all the build-up and attacking play.
He himself took seven shots, one of which reached their target, but four were blocked, and he had nine touches in Burnley’s box. He was also only disposed of twice, further demonstrating his good on-the-ball abilities.
Amorim finally has striker selection headache
Since Amorim joined the club, the striker role has been chiefly occupied by Rasmus Højlund, primarily due to a lack of other options. The Dane, now set to sign for Napoli, was at one point the only available option due to a hamstring injury to Zirkzee.
However, with Zirkzee’s positive display combined with Šeško’s signing, Amorim finally has to pick between two quality options up front. In an exclusive interview with UtdDistrict, former United winger Lee Sharpe stated that the “fantastic” Zirkzee should be starting every week.
Having to choose between two good options has generally been a rarity for Amorim since he joined United, especially in attack. However, what’s beneficial for the United boss is that he also has two players with their own unique qualities.
Šeško has incredible speed and aerial presence, while Zirkzee is very good with the ball at his feet and bringing teammates into play.
While the Reds only have one game a week due to no European or Carabao Cup action for the rest of this season, it’s hoped the two strikers will only go on to push each other.