United Review | Burnley away

Burnley 2 - 2 United

The Darren Fletcher era starts with a draw at Turf Moor

Author | Pete Shaw

Former United midfielder and current Under-18s coach Fletcher, who took interim charge following Ruben Amorim’s departure as head coach on Monday, watched his side fall behind to an unlucky Ayden Heaven own goal in the first half.

United responded with spirit and, after seeing two efforts cleared off the line either side of a disallowed Lisandro Martinez strike, they turned the contest on its head early in the second period. Sesko struck twice in the opening 15 minutes after the restart to put the visitors in front.

Burnley substitute Jaidon Anthony hauled the hosts back level as the match entered its final quarter, though United came close to snatching a dramatic late winner when teenage winger Shea Lacey rattled the crossbar in the closing stages.

By full time, United had racked up 30 shots and were unfortunate to come away with only a Premier League point from a game that also saw Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount return from injury.

An almost positive end to a difficult few days

It's really hard to judge that game. In the context of the season, it's two more dropped points. Wins for Brentford and Newcastle means we drop to 7th but remain very much in the race for Champions League qualification.

On what was a bitterly cold night in Burnley, Darren Fletcher took charge of the Reds and walked out alongside fellow academy graduate Jonny Evans. 

For me, both players epitomise everything about the club and few would be better placed than them in recognising the responsibility of leading this great institution. Whether they are the men to lead us to the end of the season remains to be seen. Onwards and upwards.