Darren Fletcher's first match in temporary charge of Manchester United ended in a frustrating 2-2 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor on a freezing Wednesday night, a result that does little to ease the pressure at Old Trafford.
A nightmare start for the interim boss
The Scot, who described managing his boyhood club as 'beyond his wildest dreams', saw his side fall behind after just 13 minutes. Burnley's Bashir Humphreys escaped marking from Casemiro, and his attempted cross took a heavy deflection off United defender Ayden Heaven, looping into the net. This gave a Clarets side, without a win since October, a shock lead.
Fletcher, a product of the United academy and a former player under Sir Alex Ferguson, watched on in disbelief from the touchline. The travelling United supporters made their feelings clear early on, with chants for former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ringing out inside the first eight minutes, fuelling speculation of a potential return for the Norwegian alongside Michael Carrick.
Fletcher's half-time intervention sparks brief revival
Whatever was said in the dressing room at half-time had an immediate impact. United emerged with renewed purpose and were level within five minutes of the restart. Striker Benjamin Sesko, ending his own three-month goal drought, fired home to make it 1-1. He then completed a quickfire double ten minutes later, turning the game on its head and putting United 2-1 ahead.
For a brief period, Fletcher's decision to revert to a back four and unleash his attackers seemed inspired. United pushed for a third, with captain Bruno Fernandes clipping the post. However, the defensive frailties that have plagued their season resurfaced.
Familiar failings return as Clarets grab a point
Burnley substitute Jaidon Anthony levelled the scores just six minutes after Sesko's second, twisting in the box before unleashing a superb strike into the top corner. Fletcher's late tactical changes failed to produce a winner, meaning United have now drawn their last three games against teams in or near the relegation zone.
The result leaves more questions than answers for the United hierarchy. While Fletcher's half-time team talk provoked a spirited response, his side ultimately failed to hold onto a lead against struggling opposition. The chants for Solskjaer and mounting speculation suggest the club's search for a permanent solution, whether until the season's end or beyond, remains firmly in the spotlight.
