Burnley 0-1 Man Utd: Jonny Evans sets up Bruno Fernandes volley to ease pressure on Erik ten Hag
Manchester United ended their three-match losing streak by beating Burnley 1-0 at Turf Moor, with Jonny Evans setting up Bruno Fernandes’ stunning volley 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 a perfect pass from his weaker left foot after previously seeing a goal disallowed for offside by VAR. The Man Utd captain’s sweet strike made the breakthrough (45) after a nerve-wracking first half for his side.
Zeki Amdouni, who scored in Monday night’s 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, was denied by an impressive save from Andre Onana before hitting the post as Burnley looked most likely in the opening period. Fernandes also had an early attack denied by James Trafford, but United finished second.
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 games. Questions were raised when Evans’ arrival was announced, but the 35-year-old centre-back produced a confident performance at the back to give Ten Hag a boost after a difficult week.
Man Utd climbed 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
Ten Hag labeled this as a must-win match for Man Utd after a run of three disappointing defeats. There was an early response from his side as they took possession from Burnley in their own half on a few occasions. Fernandes poked Trafford’s feet as Marcus Rashford found the side netting.
Burnley did not let their early mistakes bother them as they took control of the match. Under-fire goalkeeper Onana made up for his cries in Munich with a diving stop after Amdouni’s low header after ten minutes. The Swiss international hit the post six minutes later to put a nervous United team on edge.
Evans thought he had scored his first Man Utd goal in the Premier League since 2012 when he headed into Sergio Reguilon’s corner after 25 minutes. VAR then ruled it out as Rasmus Hojlund was deemed to have interfered with Burnley keeper Trafford from an offside position.
Jonny Evans thought he had scored until VAR ruled out his goal for offside
Man Utd’s latest setback involving VAR threatened to derail them as Burnley grew in confidence. However, Evans came forward with a moment of magic to assist Fernandes with a brilliant volley just before half-time. It was the 35-year-old defender’s first assist for United since February 2013, and that was for Wayne Rooney.
Hojlund was a hair’s breadth away from converting Diogo Dalot’s cross after the restart and went close again ten minutes later when he was set up by Rashford’s header. However, Burnley were subdued in the second half as they struggled to respond from being a goal down.
Fernandes celebrates his goal against Burnley
Man Utd risked provoking more pressure from the hosts as they failed to retain the ball in the second period, but Burnley were unable to capitalize. Burnley’s 19-year-old winger Luca Koleosho was their biggest spark, but when Vincent Kompany decided to bring the teenager off with 15 minutes to go, the home side lost much of their threat.
There were chances for the visitors on the break but they missed the killer blow, with Hojlund and Rashford both indecisive in the final third. Sofyan Amrabat was introduced for his first Man Utd appearance from the bench, playing at left-back in the closing stages after Reguilon suffered a blow. He took advantage of his luck when a nerve-wracking foul went unpunished by Burnley late in the match.
It was far from convincing, but Man Utd returned to winning ways to restore confidence after a difficult start. However, Burnley will be wondering how long the wait for a first Premier League win will be.
What’s next?
Burnley visits Salford City in the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday at 7.45pm, before visiting Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday at 3pm.
Visit to Crystal Palace Manchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday (kick-off 8pm) before returning to Old Trafford on Saturday to take on Erik ten Hag’s side in the Premier League at 3pm.