Manchester United’s first steps after Ruben Amorim ended in a 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, a result that felt more like two points dropped than one gained. Darren Fletcher, promoted from the Under-18s to steward the side on an interim basis, watched Benjamin Šeško flip an early deficit with a quickfire second-half brace, only for Burnley substitute Jaidon (also rendered Jayden) Anthony to level and deny a winning start. United took 30 shots to Burnley’s seven but could not land the knockout blow in a game that was part reset, part rinse-and-repeat.

Fletcher’s first night after Amorim: a new voice, same questions

This was United’s first match since Amorim’s departure after what ESPN called an “underwhelming 14-month stay.” The banner in the away end read ‘Jim can't fix this’, a pointed message for co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and a reminder that changing the head coach does not change every problem overnight.

Fletcher kept things simple. United lined up in a back four. Bruno Fernandes returned from injury to captain the team. Patrick Dorgu played high on the left and looked lively. The structure brought energy and width, and United were on the front foot for long spells.

"Thirty shots and only a point. New voice, same finishing problem."

How the drama unfolded at Turf Moor

Burnley struck first on 13 minutes. A hopeful delivery from the left took a wicked touch off Ayden Heaven and looped into the United net for an own goal. It was a scrappy start for the visitors and a rare break for a Burnley side deep in a long winless run.

United regrouped. Five minutes after the break, on 50 minutes, Fernandes slipped a smart pass in behind and Šeško finished first time for 1-1. That assist was Fernandes’ eighth of the league season, a bright note on his return.

United kept pressing and were rewarded again on 60 minutes. Dorgu’s pinpoint cross from the left found Šeško, who glided between defenders to guide home for 2-1. It was a classic No. 9’s movement and a composed finish from the Slovenian.

But Burnley would not fold. In the 66th minute, Anthony entered the story. The substitute cut inside and curled in the equaliser, credited with an assist to Marcus Edwards in the data feed. Turf Moor lifted, and the game tightened.

"Šeško looks the part. Build the attack around him and keep it simple."

Manchester United created plenty, but did not close

By full-time, United had stacked up 30 shots. The volume tells a story of territory and pressure. Yet it also underlines a familiar flaw: turning pressure into points. This was United’s third straight Premier League draw and they’ve now won just once in six league games. The performance had more zip and width, but the details in both boxes still decide games.

There were positives. Fernandes looked sharp before being replaced by Mason Mount, who made his return from injury. Kobbie Mainoo also came back off the bench. Dorgu’s work high on the left added thrust and end product, highlighted by his assist for the second goal. When Šeško’s movement was matched by the delivery, United looked dangerous.

Still, the concession at 2-1 will sting. United had the lead, the momentum, and the shot count. A top-four chase demands clean execution. That was missing at the key moment.

"If Fletcher’s brief is to add clarity, the next step is game control when leading."

Burnley’s fight: a point that keeps hope alive

For Burnley, this was a point that felt big. Their winless streak in the league is now 12 matches, but this was just their third point in that run. They climbed to 13 points from 21 games, still eight off safety, but the response after falling behind will hearten Vincent Kompany’s side. Anthony’s confident finish offered a reminder that moments still exist in this team.

They rode their luck at times, as United rained in attempts, but they dug in. The home crowd appreciated the effort and the outcome. When you’re in a fight at the bottom, days like this can change mood if not yet the math.

Premier League context: table and trend lines

Here’s where the numbers land after the draw at Turf Moor:

• Burnley: 13 points from 21 games (3W-4D-14L), goal difference -19; winless in 12; eight points from safety.
• Manchester United: 32 points from 21 (8W-8D-5L), goal difference +4; third straight draw; one win in six league matches.
• Shots: United 30, Burnley 7.
• Scorers: Ayden Heaven (OG 13’), Benjamin Šeško (50’, 60’), Jaidon/Jayden Anthony (66’; assisted by Marcus Edwards).
• Key returns: Bruno Fernandes (starter, 8th assist of season), Mason Mount and Kobbie Mainoo (both came off the bench).
• Venue: Turf Moor, Burnley.

Player focus: Šeško, Fernandes and Dorgu

Šeško was clinical and brave in his movement. Two finishes, two different runs, both at pace, both in stride. On a night when United sprayed shots, he was the one who made them count.

Fernandes’ eighth assist of the season set the tone for the comeback. His early withdrawal was planned and sensible, with Mount taking minutes and rhythm after injury. Mainoo’s cameo added calm and options between the lines. Dorgu’s positioning high and wide gave United an outlet all night, and his cross for the second goal was the moment the plan clicked.

Atmosphere and the wider picture at Manchester United

The sign in the away section — ‘Jim can't fix this’ — summed up the mood. There is respect for Fletcher and a wish to move forward, but there is also realism: this is a club with layers to solve. ESPN framed it well: the last few days have been a whirlwind. Fletcher’s first, and perhaps only, match as interim boss brought better ideas and a point, but not a reset on the league form.

What’s next

For United, the job is clear: keep the energy, sharpen the finishing, and manage leads with more control. For Burnley, this was a small step that must become a stride. They need wins, not draws, but belief often starts with a day like this.

If Fletcher’s United can match Šeško’s precision to their volume, the draws will turn. And if Burnley can bottle Anthony’s confidence and the team’s resolve, the gap to safety might feel a little less steep next time out.