MANCHESTER UNITED were held to a 2-2 draw against relegation battlers Burnley in Darren Fletcher’s first game as interim manager.
United remain sixth after failing to capitalise on the chance to go level on points with Liverpool in fourth in the Premier League table.
Ayden Heaven scored an early own-goal after deflecting Bashir Humphreys’ cross into United’s net before Benjamin Sesko’s second-half double put the visitors ahead.
But a lapse in concentration from United saw sub Jaidon Anthony launch a screamer into Senne Lammens‘ top corner.
United had 30 shots in total and teenage sub Shea Lacey went the closest to a winner with two 20-yard strikes in his short cameo, with the first smacking off the crossbar
But the Red Devils, who dropped points from a winning position for the seventh time this season, suffered a third-straight draw to a bottom five side.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated the United players at a below-freezing Turf Moor.
Senne Lammens – 6
Could only stand there and stare as Burnley‘s cross boomed off Heaven for 1-0. Had a relatively quiet half from thereafter.
The Belgian had no chance of stopping Anthony’s wonder strike, which was Burnley‘s first shot at goal in the second-half.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Struggled down the right and let Lucas Pires and Humphreys run off him far too much.
United’s narrow approach did not get him on the ball as much, especially with everything coming down Dorgu’s flank.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
Settled into the first-half after a nervy start saw the Argentina international miss-kick the ball a few yards from his net.
Had a goal disallowed after VAR confirmed he’d fouled Kyle Walker in the build-up. Should have got tighter to Anthony for his equaliser.
Ayden Heaven – 5
Conceded an own-goal when was too open with his body and did not get close enough when attempting to block Humphreys’ cross for the opener.
Less asked of him defensively as United took control and he missed a massive chance at the back post for his chance at redemption. Subbed for Leny Yoro on 60 minutes.
Luke Shaw – 6
The England man lacked quality on crosses. Got turned inside out for Anthony for 2-2.
linked well with Dorgu and made some clever overlapping runs. But poor touches stunted United’s attacks as the visitors pushed for a winner.
Patrick Dorgu – 7
Started with heavy touches and clunky passages of play before promising moments of skill.
Unlucky not to have equalised after Maxime Esteve cleared his effort off the line before the break.
The Dane is finding belief on the ball. He spun a wonderful cross into the middle for Sesko for 2-1. Was more aggressive in the second-half as United improved.
Casemiro – 4
Showed his age in this leggy display and United must let the 33-year-old depart at the end of his contract in the summer.
His slow and sloppy start capitulated into being picked off with Dalot for Burnley‘s opener. Lacked concentration and intent in the middle.
Passing improved as the game grew but he was often second best in one-on-one situations and duels. Booked late on.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
An OK performance. Nice pass for one sound attacking move after United conceded and decent enough on the ball this time.
The midfielder is starting to settle into the XI after a fifth straight Prem start and was not drawn into silly fouls as much.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fans were delighted to see their playmaker back from injury and back at No10. The skipper’s quality on the ball is night and day compared to his colleagues.
The Portugal midfielder’s brilliant through-ball set up the equaliser – his seventh assist of the campaign. He beautifully fed Sesko and Dorgu for chance in the first-half.
Instrumental to every United attack and denied by the post before being taken off on the hour mark to manage his minutes. Perhaps too early.
Matheus Cunha – 5
Far too casual when United were behind with needless flicks and poor passing when the basics needed to be done.
Bizarre for Fletcher to move Cunha to the right when he’s enjoyed success off the left recently. Understandably hooked in the final 15 minutes as he was hardly involved.
Benjamin Sesko – 7
The striker’s best game for United. His two well-taken goals will be a massive confidence boost to the 22-year-old striker who has struggled in front of goal this season.
Particularly the acrobatic volley to take the lead for the visitors. Before that, Sesko lacked spite and power in his shots in the first-half, despite solid movement and runs.
SUBS
Mason Mount (for Fernandes’ 60) – 5
A welcome name back on the bench after limping off at half-time on Boxing Day. Moved into midfield .
Leny Yoro (for Heaven’ 60) – 5
Got back with a crucial tackle in the final 10 minutes.
Kobbie Mainoo (for Casemiro ’74) – 5
Looked rusty on the ball.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Cunha ’74) – 5
Failed to communicate with Sesko for a chance. Hardly got on the ball.
Shea Lacey (for Ugarte ’84) – 7
United’s best sub got the nod ahead of Fletcher’s son Jack.
Inches away from a Federico Macheda moment when his classy strike blasted off the crossbar.
The 18-year-old was fearless on the ball after blasting another shot just wide at the death.
