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Sesko Shines but Defensive Frailties Cost Red Devils Again

Manchester United’s attempt to reset under interim manager Darren Fletcher produced familiar frustrations rather than a fresh start, as the Red Devils were held to a 2–2 draw away to Burnley at Turf Moor. In a match that summed up United’s turbulent campaign, Benjamin Šeško went from a shaky opening to a decisive brace, only for defensive lapses to once again undermine the visitors.

United entered the contest still searching for momentum following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, but the managerial change failed to deliver an immediate lift. Fletcher opted for minimal disruption, restoring Bruno Fernandes to the starting XI and reverting to a back four, with Fernandes pushed higher up the pitch. The tactical tweak, however, did little to sharpen United’s early play, as possession was slow and Burnley were allowed to settle.

The hosts struck first inside 13 minutes through a slice of misfortune. A lapse in midfield tracking allowed Hannibal Mejbri to feed Bashir Humphreys, whose cross deflected off Ayden Heaven and looped beyond the goalkeeper for an own goal. It was the kind of concession that has plagued United all season, particularly away from home.

Stung into action, United responded with sustained pressure. Matheus Cunha came agonisingly close with a header cleared off the line, while Šeško endured a frustrating spell before growing into the game. Burnley’s resistance, including multiple last-ditch clearances, ensured the score remained unchanged at the break despite United’s dominance.

The breakthrough finally arrived shortly after half-time. Fernandes’ incisive pass split the defence and allowed Šeško to finish clinically, before the Slovenian striker struck again minutes later, reacting quickest to a low cross to complete a rapid turnaround. With 16 goals now to his name in the league, Šeško continues to justify his growing reputation despite United’s inconsistent form.

Yet, predictably, United failed to protect their advantage. Slack defending from Lisandro Martínez gave Jaidon Anthony the space to fire Burnley level just six minutes after United had gone ahead. Fernandes’ subsequent withdrawal removed United’s main creative outlet, and although substitute Shea Lacey rattled the crossbar late on, the visitors could not find a winner.

The draw leaves Manchester United with three consecutive stalemates against sides battling relegation, a run that underlines how far standards have slipped. Individual quality, particularly from Šeško, continues to paper over cracks, but until United address their defensive fragility and midfield control, even a change in the dugout is unlikely to alter their trajectory.

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