Post Match Verdict 25/26 (Gameweek 3)

United 3–2 Burnley

Let me start by saying this was meant to go out right after the match, I scheduled it for August 31st. But something went wrong with the post. Noticed it wasn’t up while checking the feed today, so here’s the full version; just in time before the Manchester Derby.

After that Grimsby embarrassment in the EFL Cup (still hurts to say), this game against Burnley wasn’t just about points. It was about response. From the manager, from the players and from the club overall.

Line-up & Setup

We saw Cunha starting as the No. 9, with Mbeumo and Mount behind him. Bruno and Casemiro were again the midfield two a duo I’m still not sold on. Dalot played LWB, Amad at RWB. Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw formed the back three. Bayındır started in goal, with Onana benched a clear message from Amorim if you ask me.

First Half: Energy, Chances, and a Bit of Magic

United started with real tempo. One of the early moments came when Mbeumo brought down a lofted ball, took a touch inside the box, and fired with his left. It was a sharp effort, saved by Dubravka.

Then came a Mount-through ball again to Mbeumo who hit it first time, just wide of the far post. He looked sharp throughout.

There was a penalty shout when Mount stole the ball off Walker, drove forward and got pulled down just outside the D. He fell into the box. It went to VAR but no penalty. A close one, but I think the contact started outside.

Another standout moment: Mbeumo pinged a pass from near the halfway line that cut through six Burnley players, landing perfectly for Dalot. That move ended in a free-kick on the left side after Walker tackled him.

Bruno stepped up to deliver. His free kick found Casemiro, whose bullet header smashed the crossbar, hit Burnley’s Cullen on the rebound, and went in.
United 1-0 Burnley.

Second Half: All Over the Place

Momentum slipped.

Dalot left space on the left. Bruun Larsen crossed in perfectly, and Lyle Foster equalised. De Ligt were slow to recover. 1-1.

But we reacted well. Bayındır launched it long, Zirkzee flicked it to Dalot, who bullied his man, crossed low and hard into the box. Mbeumo positioned himself well and finished brilliantly.
United 2-1 Burnley.

Still, we couldn’t hold it.

Burnley equalised again. A long throw from Walker caused chaos, Bayındır spilled a weak shot, and Jaidon Anthony scored in a crowded box.
2-2. Another messy goal to concede. Poor handling, poor box control.

Last-Minute Drama

Then came the winning moment.
Amad passed to Bruno and darted diagonally into the box. Jaidon Anthony pulled his shirt clear as day. VAR check, penalty given.

Bruno stepped up in the 97th minute. Huge pressure. He tucked it low into the bottom left corner. Dubravka guessed right, but couldn’t stop it.
3-2 United. Game over. Relief.

Performance Verdict

Stats back it up:

26 shots vs Burnley’s 6
62% possession
508 passes, 82% accuracy
We deserved the win just about. But let’s be real: midfield still looked fragile, and defensively we were vulnerable again.

Transfer Reflections

This match happened just before the transfer deadline, and we needed a goalkeeper and midfielder.
Now, two weeks later, Senne Lammens is in a smart low-risk move with big potential. I’m glad we didn’t go for Donnarumma. Wages too high, and honestly, not worth it right now.

We couldn’t get a midfielder over the line.
The Gallagher deal fell through because of Atletico’s buy-clause demands. I still think we could’ve gone for someone like Hackney cheap, energetic, and capable. It’s disappointing.

Let’s hope we go again in January.

Man City Up Next

City are coming off two straight losses. But it’s Etihad, and they’ll come flying. Amorim still hasn’t won two PL games in a row that needs to change.

Mount’s out. Dalot and Cunha likely too. Amorim did hint that Cunha “wants to play” maybe he sneaks into the squad.

Mazraoui is back, and I hope we start:

Bruno L10
Mbeumo R10
Amad RWB
Midfield two: Ugarte + Mainoo

We can’t keep pairing Bruno and Casemiro it kills balance.

Would love to see Šeško finally start a league game. Amorim confirmed Lammens won’t be starting, which is risky. Haaland won’t go easy on Bayındır.

City also signed Donnarumma. Again too expensive, and overrated lately. Lammens has more upside.

Final Word

Burnley was chaos. We got the win, but the cracks are still there.
Tomorrow, we go to the Etihad. Statement needed to form and build the consistency.

Till next time
YANITED. YANITED. YANITED.

UNITED SCRIPTED.