Darren Fletcher's first match as Manchester United's interim manager ended in frustration as his side squandered a lead to draw 2-2 with Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.
A Rollercoaster Night for the Caretaker Boss
Fletcher, who took temporary charge following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, saw his new team make a sluggish start. Burnley's Bashir Humphreys capitalised, firing the Clarets into a lead inside the opening 13 minutes. United, however, fought back impressively in the second half through striker Benjamin Sesko. The Slovenian forward netted a quickfire brace to turn the game on its head and put the visitors on course for a vital victory.
That lead lasted just minutes, however, as Burnley substitute Jaidon Anthony struck a 66th-minute equaliser to shatter Fletcher's hopes of a perfect start. The result means Manchester United have now failed to win their last three Premier League matches, following previous stalemates against Wolves and Leeds United.
Fletcher's Crystal Clear Verdict on United's Failure
Speaking after the final whistle, Fletcher did not hide his disappointment, bluntly stating his team had dropped two crucial points. "We put in a performance that should have won the match," he said. "We created a lot of chances. I thought we started slow but improved. We scored two fantastic goals, but there is still a lot to work on."
The former United midfielder emphasised the need for greater ruthlessness in front of goal, a recurring issue for the team. "It was about them highlighting themselves, showcasing themselves as players," Fletcher added. "It wasn't perfect but there were a lot of good things. But we have got to score more goals."
Burnley's Relief After Securing a 'Massive Point'
In the opposite dugout, Burnley manager Scott Parker hailed his team's character after a difficult period. "What the team demanded of itself was right up there," Parker stated. "It's a great reaction from the weekend. We got back to what we need to bring to a game of Premier League football."
He was unequivocal about the importance of the result for his relegation-threatened side, describing it as "a big point for us. A massive point." Parker continued: "It showed the character of the team in adversity. We stood up."
The draw leaves Manchester United with significant work to do as the club's hierarchy continues its search for a permanent manager, with Fletcher's audition for the role having begun in mixed circumstances.
