Lyle Foster has admitted that Burnley’s squad were taken aback by one of Manchester United’s traits during Rúben Amorim’s 3-2 win at Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim earned his first win as Manchester United manager after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Burnley, sealed by a stoppage-time penalty from Bruno Fernandes.
United looked sharp from the start, Bryan Mbeumo twice going close and penalty appeals waved away before Josh Cullen diverted into his own net to give the Reds the lead. Matheus Cunha’s injury forced an early change, with Joshua Zirkzee introduced, but despite dominating the first half, United couldn’t add a second.
Burnley equalised shortly after the interval through Lyle Foster, only for Mbeumo to hit back instantly from kick-off. The visitors struck again with 25 minutes remaining, Jaidon Anthony stabbing home from close range to make it 2-2.
United pressed relentlessly in search of a winner and finally got their reward in added time when Amad was fouled inside the area. Fernandes stepped up and calmly slotted home, sparking relief at Old Trafford and handing Amorim his long-awaited first three points of the campaign.
Burnley stunned by United’s quick start
While the second half was more recognisable of the United squad, who seem to start collapsing whenever they take a lead in a fixture, the first half was fantastic.
Despite their only goal coming from Burnley’s Cullen, there were flashes of brilliance from across the side, with United’s fast start leading to Mbeumo and others having multiple chances land their way.
“The first half, we were a bit taken aback by the way they came,” Burnley scorer Foster told their media channels. “I don’t think we expected them to come the way they did. We didn’t have our footing really, lost in a sense.”
On his goal, Foster continued: “For sure, it’s a dream for me, growing up having watched this my whole life. Being at Old Trafford and scoring is something I dreamt of but never thought would become reality. I thank God for this beautiful moment.”
United must look to finish their chances
Ignoring the disaster fixture United suffered when losing to Grimsby Town in midweek, United’s other three fixtures have seen the side start very strongly and quickly, which is undoubtedly an improvement on the slow nature of their starts last season.
Against Arsenal, Amorim’s men were the better side, while they could have had at least three goals in the first half against Fulham, and then again against Burnley.
But while they managed to secure the win against Scott Parker’s men, it is a little alarming that both of their first goals in the Fulham and Burnley wins were own goals, rather than finishes from any of Amorim’s men.
United have shown flashes of brilliance in the first half of most games this season, but they have only managed to sustain pressure for 90 minutes on one occasion – the 1-0 loss against Arsenal.
Amorim must get his squad to engage in their fast starts more often, but also ensure that the team can convert their chances earlier in the ties to give them more breathing room as the season progresses.
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