Manchester United were forced to settle for a draw in their first match since the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim, as relegation-threatened Burnley fought back to earn only their third point in 12 Premier League games.
United looked set for a comeback victory after striker Benjamin Šeško struck twice in a devastating 10-minute spell early in the second half, doubling his tally for the season with two composed first-time finishes.
Burnley had gone into the break ahead courtesy of an Ayden Heaven own goal, and when Šeško turned the match around after the restart, another home defeat appeared inevitable. However, the hosts responded, with Jaidon Anthony grabbing an equaliser to deny United all three points.
The result proved a frustrating one for interim manager Darren Fletcher, who abandoned Amorim’s favoured system of three central defenders and wing-backs. United created numerous chances, with Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu both seeing goal-bound efforts cleared off the line.
Lisandro Martínez also had a goal ruled out for what appeared to be a debatable push on former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker. Šeško missed further opportunities to complete his hat-trick, while teenage substitute Shea Lacey came agonisingly close to a winner, curling a superb effort against the crossbar.
Off the pitch, United supporters made their displeasure clear towards the club’s leadership. Fans unfurled a banner criticising minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and sang chants aimed at co-chairman Joel Glazer. Despite the unrest, there was vocal backing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, who are reported to be leading candidates to take over as caretaker manager until the end of the season.
For United, the draw underlined both their attacking potential and ongoing instability, while Burnley will take encouragement from a rare fightback as they continue their battle to avoid relegation.
