BURNLEY 2-2 MANCHESTER UNITED: Benjamin Sesko scored twice at Turf Moor but that wasn’t enough to hand caretaker boss Darren Fletcher victory in his first game at the helm
Manchester United’s quest for Champions League football took another hit as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Burnley in Darren Fletcher’s inaugural match at the helm.
The Red Devils got off to a sluggish start and found themselves trailing after just 13 minutes when Casemiro was outfoxed by Bashir Humphreys’ run and Ayden Heaven’s feeble attempt to block the cross resulted in an own goal. However, Fletcher’s team soon regained control, with two goals from Benjamin Sesko in the opening 15 minutes of the second half seemingly turning the tide. He expertly finished off a Bruno Fernandes pass and a Patrick Dorgu cross.
Yet, inexplicably, United allowed the hosts back into the game. Despite posing little threat in the second half, Jaidon Anthony was given too much space by Lisandro Martinez to turn and curl in an equaliser.
Here’s how the players at Turf Moor were rated…
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Senne Lammens – 6
His decision to try and anticipate Humphreys’ cross wasn’t the best, but he was helpless for the second goal. Showed good ball control.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Kept possession well and attempted to push forward in the second half, but failed to make a significant impact. United’s narrow play didn’t afford him much of the ball.
Ayden Heaven – 5
Turned his back on the cross that led to the own goal when he should have made himself bigger. Showed aggression on the ball at times.
Lisandro Martinez – 5
This was arguably his poorest performance since rejoining the starting line-up. Fired one wild shot and was far too passive against Anthony in the box, allowing the winger ample space to score the equaliser.
Luke Shaw – 7
Made a significant impact in the forward areas, linking well with Dorgu and making intelligent runs, both overlapping and underlapping.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
Advanced quite far up the pitch at times. Despite his two shots being off target, he had a solid game and showed better ball control.
Casemiro – 4
A pale imitation of his earlier season form. He simply watched as Humphreys ran past him for the first goal, was booked and often too slow to react.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Delivered an excellent pass to set up Sesko’s equaliser and was always eager to get on the ball. Showed his creative prowess.
Patrick Dorgu – 7
Currently playing in various positions. It was somewhat surprising to see him on the left, but he gave Kyle Walker a tough time and his cross for Sesko was spot on.
Matheus Cunha – 6
Less influential than in recent weeks. Struggled on the right in the first half and didn’t improve much when moved centrally.
Benjamin Sesko – 8
His best performance for the club so far. Had numerous opportunities, held the ball up well, scored two fantastic goals and forced Martin Dúbravka into another good save with a fine header.
Substitutes
Leny Yoro – 6
Another change in central defence. Performed adequately.
Mason Mount – 6
Failed to match Fernandes’ impact.
Kobbie Mainoo – 6
Entered the game in a deep position and tried to get involved.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6
Had a couple of half chances but couldn’t convert them
Shea Lacey – 7
Unlucky not to score following a brilliant piece of play.
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