Manchester United win first competitive game in three months
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes (left) celebrates together with new signing Bryan Mbeumo, who scored his first Man U goal during their 3-2 win against Burnley at Old Trafford, in Manchester on August 30, 2025. Photo/Manchester United via X
Manchester United finally ended a three-month wait for a competitive victory with a dramatic 3–2 win over Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday, sealed by a stoppage-time penalty from captain Bruno Fernandes.
United’s last competitive triumph had been the 2–0 victory over Aston Villa on May 25, 2025.
The victory at Old Trafford offered a huge release of pressure for head coach Rúben Amorim and the club’s supporters.
The game at Old Trafford was a rollercoaster. The Red Devils went ahead when a powerful Casemiro header ricocheted off the crossbar and into the net as a Josh Cullen own goal in the 27th minute.
Burnley fought back after the interval when Lyle Foster levelled on 55 minutes. United responded almost immediately when Bryan Mbeumo restored the lead in the 57th minute. Burnley’s Jaidon Anthony then made it 2–2 in the 67th minute after capitalising on a goalkeeper error. With the match deep into stoppage time, VAR flagged a foul on Amad Diallo inside the box; Fernandes stepped up and converted the penalty to complete a nervy turnaround.
Chelsea moved to the top of the table with a 2–0 home win over Fulham. João Pedro headed the hosts in front just before half-time (45+9) from an Enzo Fernández corner. Fernández then dispatched a second-half penalty to wrap up the three points and leave west London talking about two contentious VAR interventions that influenced the contest.
Tottenham were beaten at home as Bournemouth took a surprise 1–0 victory at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Evanilson’s early strike on five minutes proved decisive, with Bournemouth holding on to claim the win. The result punctured Spurs’ early-season momentum and boosted the visitors’ confidence going into the international break.
At Molineux, Everton produced an entertaining 3–2 victory over Wolves. Everton took the lead through Beto on seven minutes, only for Hwang Hee-chan to level for Wolves in the 21st. Iliman Ndiaye restored Everton’s advantage before half-time and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall added a third early in the second half. Wolves rallied late through Rodrigo Gomes but could not find a leveller as Everton held on. Jack Grealish was prominent in Everton’s build-up play and provided key contributions.
Sunderland staged a dramatic comeback to beat Brentford 2–1 at the Stadium of Light. Igor Thiago nodded Brentford ahead in the 77th minute, but Enzo Le Fée levelled from the penalty spot on 82 minutes.
Deep into stoppage time, Wilson Isidor rose to head home the winner in the 90+6th minute, capping a late twist that sent the home crowd into raptures.
Brentford had earlier seen a Dango Ouattara effort ruled out by VAR and missed a penalty in the second half.
Leeds and Newcastle shared the points in a goalless draw at Elland Road as both teams struggled to find a cutting edge.
The stalemate leaves Newcastle still searching for a first win of the season, while Leeds will take encouragement from a solid defensive showing.
Saturday’s results leave the early Premier League table looking tight. Chelsea’s win has them near the summit, Bournemouth’s victory is a timely boost, Everton’s attacking form is gathering praise, and Sunderland’s late heroics underline the unpredictable nature of the opening weeks.
United’s stoppage-time escape will be remembered most by their supporters, but the hard work to convert relief into consistency starts now.
