It was a goal worthy of winning any game of football.

There did not seem to be any danger when Jonny Evans had the ball at his feet close to the centre circle but what followed was a magnificent piece of individual brilliance.

Evans' chipped pass dropped in behind Burnley defender Jordan Beyer and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes unleashed a stunning volley into the bottom corner which ultimately gave them a much-needed win.

There were gasps from the stunned home supporters, while the travelling United contingent roared in delight in their corner of Turf Moor.

Former Burnley goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC 5 Live: "We have seen one of the goals of the season already tonight there from Bruno Fernandes. I can't tell you how hard that technique is to execute.

"He doesn't try to take it down or even take a touch, he hits it first time on the volley, smashing it past James Trafford.

"Nothing the Burnley keeper could do with it, a fantastic strike."

United manager Erik ten Hag called it a "brilliant goal", while opposition manager Vincent Kompany said it was a "moment of quality from a Premier League player".

Ten Hag's side have made a poor start to the season and came into the game following three consecutive defeats in all competitions.

Though they clung on to the three points against Burnley, it was a laboured showing in which they were second best for large periods of the game.

Fernandes' magical strike on the stroke of half-time will leave United fans salivating until next week's league and Carabao Cup double-header against Crystal Palace.

It drew comparisons to Robin van Persie's brilliant volley for United against Aston Villa 10 years ago, a 3-0 victory that night sealing their 20th and most recent title triumph.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand said on TNT Sport: "Great movement from Bruno. This is what captains do, they step up in big moments when you need something special and he's created a moment there.

"It is a great ball but he has still got so much to do. The technique, to hit that with the precision and power to get it past the goalkeeper, that is where you want it, bottom corner. He hits it perfectly.

"Top players have top moments. That is leadership. That is a moment there."

Ex-Clarets striker Peter Crouch said on TNT: "It was great to watch. I was a young player watching volleys like that all the time, I used to go and practice it in the garden.

"Do you remember that Van Persie one? It wasn't quite on that level, but it was just beautiful technique.

"To watch the flight of the ball, there's so many moving parts that can go wrong, it was fantastic."

Source: BBC

BDST: 1322 HRS, SEP 24, 2023
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