Benjamin Sesko spark masks Manchester United disappointment for Darren Fletcher

BURNLEY – Manchester United caretaker manager Darren Fletcher hopes Benjamin Sesko’s double in a 2-2 draw at Burnley proves to be the launching pad for the Slovenian striker after a tough start to life at Old Trafford.

Sesko had scored just twice in 17 appearances since his £73.7 million (S$127.3 million) move from RB Leipzig, before the Jan 7 trip to Turf Moor.

The 22-year-old produced two clinical finishes early in the second half to turn the game around for United after Ayden Heaven’s own goal gave Burnley a half-time lead.

But Jaidon Anthony’s fine strike saw United drop points for the fifth time in six games.

“I was so happy for him. I spoke to him yesterday and we presented a video showing his movement and showing his goals, just showing how it is coming and he needs to keep believing and the players need to get more service to him,” said Fletcher, who has been seconded from the Under-18s.

“He did that tonight and scored two great goals. A real positive night for Ben.

“The team is disappointed with a point but in terms of a personal level, hopefully he can kick on from that now.”

However, Sesko showing signs of life was the only positive from another damaging night for United’s chances of returning to the Champions League next season.

In their first game since the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Jan 5, Fletcher was left to rue his side’s finishing and their luck.

Lisandro Martinez had a first-half equaliser harshly ruled out for a foul on Kyle Walker, while substitute Shea Lacey hit the crossbar late on.

“For me, the fact we have drawn is a massive disappointment,” added Fletcher, 41.

“If you look at the context of the game, the chances we created, goal-line clearances, a disallowed goal, 30 shots, lots of attacking play. We created more than enough to win the game.”

A point sees United slip to seventh in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, whose match against league leaders Arsenal on Jan 8 took place after press time.

Only a top-four finish will guarantee Champions League football next season, although it is likely fifth could be enough thanks to the performances of English sides in European competitions this season.

Despite the draw, Burnley’s winless run stretched to 12 games – equalling a Premier League record for the team.

But manager Scott Parker took the positives, saying: “There’s belief here. We’ve had tough times of late but we had plenty about us. That is what we’re going to need for the remainder of the season...

“We defended for our lives at times. None of my players left anything out on that pitch.

“That fighting spirit was key tonight. We went to places that are very extreme. We brought energy and fight – and deserved what we got from the performance.”

Fletcher, meanwhile, confirmed he will remain in charge for the Jan 11 FA Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion, while United reportedly look to appoint an interim manager for the rest of the season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are among the leading contenders to take over for the rest of the campaign.

The two former United players are believed to have held a first round of informal discussions with sporting director Jason Wilcox ahead of the Burnley draw, according to British media reports.

It is now being suggested both Carrick, 44, and Solskjaer, 52, could feature in a new backroom team at Old Trafford.

If Solskjaer is named as Amorim’s successor, it would represent a return to the United hot seat.

The former United and Norway forward initially took charge on an interim basis in December 2018 after the dismissal of Jose Mourinho, before his full-time appointment the following March.

Solskjaer, however, was sacked in November 2021, with ex-England midfielder Carrick placed in temporary charge. AFP