Bruno Fernandes relieved pressure on Manchester United’s manager, Ruben Amorim, by scoring a last-minute penalty, securing a 3-2 win against Burnley. Earlier, Chelsea climbed to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Fulham.
Tottenham Hotspur experienced their first setback under manager Thomas Frank, losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth, while Everton claimed their second win, defeating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-2.
Sunderland’s impressive return to the Premier League continued as they won 2-1 against Brentford at home.
After a shocking League Cup loss to fourth-tier Grimsby Town, Manchester United faced renewed scrutiny despite recent expensive signings.
With just one point from their first two league games, a win against Burnley was crucial, especially given their unbeaten record in the past 23 matches against promoted teams.
Amorim, with a Premier League win rate under 25% from his first 29 games, again apologized to fans for the Grimsby fiasco in his program notes.
United started strong, taking the lead with a Josh Cullen own goal in the 27th minute. Yet, missed opportunities allowed Burnley to level the score early in the second half through Lyle Foster. Bryan Mbeumo quickly restored United’s lead, but a mistake by goalkeeper Altay Bayındır let Jaidon Anthony equalize again.
Anthony then fouled Amad Diallo in the box, resulting in a penalty after four minutes of VAR review, which Fernandes converted.
“I’m as frustrated as any Man United fan,” Amorim said. “We had chances to score more. Today, the better team won.”
Tottenham began the season with two wins, including against Manchester City, sparking hope under Frank. However, Bournemouth outplayed them, winning with Evanilson’s fifth-minute deflected shot. Spurs faced boos at full-time.
“I don’t like the boos, but I get it,” Frank stated. “Expectations are high. The players gave their all but didn’t reach our usual standards.”
Chelsea, though fortunate, moved to seven points with a 2-0 win. Joao Pedro scored, and Enzo Fernandez’s penalty secured the result. Fulham was frustrated after a Joshua King goal was disallowed following a lengthy VAR review due to a foul by Rodrigo Muniz.
“Disallowing that goal is unbelievable,” manager Marco Silva told TNT Sports. “I have much to say but will refrain to avoid sanctions.”
Everton reached six points as loanee Jack Grealish provided two assists. His header led to Beto’s goal in the 7th minute, and Hwang Hee-chan equalized in the 21st. Everton regained the lead when Grealish’s pass set up Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who assisted Iliman Ndiaye’s goal. Dewsbury-Hall scored again off a Grealish pass before Rodrigo Gomes netted a consolation for Wolverhampton.
Sunderland, back in the league after eight years, also reached six points as Wilson Isidor’s late header beat Brentford.
Leeds United will host Newcastle United on Saturday, and champions Liverpool will face title rivals Arsenal on Sunday.
