Manchester United were held to a draw by relegation-threatened as they took their first steps in the post Ruben Amorim era.
Darren Fletcher went with a back four and United controlled proceedings for most of this contest, only for individual errors to let them down in a 2-2 draw.
Benjamin Sesko scored twice and Patrick Dorgu showed once again why he’s better going forward, rather than being tasked with defending, as United showed flashes of how good they can be in front of goal.
But it was never going to be an overnight fix for Fletcher as attention turns to the FA Cup at Old Trafford next for the former United midfielder.
Daily Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT runs the rule over United’s players in this four-goal thriller…
Benjamin Sesko doubled his Premier League goal tally in a positive night at Turf Moor
MANCHESTER UNITED (4-2-3-1)
Senne Lammens – 6
Hard to apportion too much blame to both goals he conceded on the night given the first was a huge deflection and the second was straight out of the top drawer from Anthony to make it 2-2. Given that Anthony strike was Burnley’s first shot on goal, it underlines how little the Belgian had to do despite conceding twice.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Didn’t do a whole lot wrong over the course of the night. Burnley targeted his side of the pitch and got early joy in the first half but as it wore on his workload significantly decreased.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Can count himself unfortunate that the opening goal was credited as an own goal when the real person at fault was Casemiro for letting Bashir Humphrys run away from him. Cut a frustrated figure when he went off not long after he fluffed a chance from a corner just a couple of yards out.
Lisandro Martinez – 6.5
Can certainly feel aggrieved that his first half goal was chalked off for a (very soft) foul. Doesn’t get the attention it deserves just how well he has done after such a long spell out. His passing out from the back is so cool and calm it makes him such an asset beyond his defending.
Lisandro Martinez will feel aggrieved that his first half goal from a set piece was chalked off
Luke Shaw – 5
Far better as a centre back these days than as a left back and in that case he could go down as one of the biggest losers of a switch to a back four. Let himself down with weak defending for Burnley’s second goal when the Clarets forward barely got challenged before picking out the top corner.
Manuel Ugarte – 6.5
Has taken as much criticism as any player this season at United, both in the media and among supporters. He was good at Leeds and for the most part he was solid again here in a match United controlled for large, prolonged spells. Made a really smart challenge to cut out a Burnley counter-attack when the game was a bit helter-skelter at 2-2.
Casemiro – 6
Started slowly at Leeds and later found his rhythm. It was a similar theme here. Didn’t do anywhere near enough to stop the run of Humphrys in the lead to the opening goal and sold Heaven short in trying to block it. Yet, he himself was let down by team-mates with some of his deliveries into the box. Mixed bag but largely fine after that slow start.
Matheus Cunha – 6
Never managed to get in the game in the first 45 minutes where he was operating from the right wing, a position he has never looked a natural fit in. Improved markedly when he went more central and Fernandes went to the right. Still feels like he’s working out how to co-exist in the side when Fernandes features.
Bruno Fernandes was on managed minutes but he once again showed why he is top drawer
Bruno Fernandes – 8
It’s night and day when Fernandes is in the team compared to when he isn’t. Was only ever going to get an hour here with his minutes restriction but he made sure it counted. It was an inch-perfect through ball for Sesko’s first goal and he should have had a second assist when his corner was met by Ayden Heaven a couple of yards out. Those calling to sell him this summer are raving mad.
Patrick Dorgu – 7
Started at left wing and that raised some eyebrows during a sluggish first 25 minutes here. Once United found their rhythm, Dorgu was a constant menace. It’s no surprise that Dorgu has looked a much better player once his defensive duties have been reduced significantly. His ball for Sesko’s second goal was top drawer.
Benjamin Sesko – 8.5
His breakout night in a Manchester United shirt. There have been so many games where he’s looked neat and tidy linking up play but when you cost north of £73million the only thing people want to see is goals. He arrived with two his name and doubled his tally for the season with two in 10 minutes. The night couldn’t have gone much better.
MANAGER: Darren Fletcher – 7.5
Given he only cut his teeth as a coach in Under-18 football this season, have to say he handled the occasion well despite the result. Was bold in his substitutions with Mason Mount, Shea Lacey, Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo all coming on. Let down by individual errors, as so many former United bosses have been.
Darren Fletcher handled the occasion well but will be disappointed not to have won the game
BURNLEY XI: Dubravka 7; Laurent 5.5, Esteve 6, Humphreys 7; Walker 5, Ugochukwu 6, Florentino 5, Pires 6; Hannibal 6.5 (Anthony 58, 7.5), Edwards 7.5; Broja 6 (Foster 76, 6.5)
Goals: Heaven OG (13), Anthony (66)
Booked: Hannibal, Parker, Foster
Manager: Scott Parker 8
