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Sesko smiles in relief after equalizing 1-1 for Man Utd. Photo: Reuters |
Manchester United was held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley on matchday 21 of the Premier League, despite forward Benjamin Sesko scoring two goals. This result saw Man Utd drop crucial points against a team near the bottom of the league table.
In the first match since Man Utd dismissed Ruben Amorim, coach Fletcher immediately switched to a 4-defender system in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Midfielder Bruno Fernandes returned from injury to start as the number 10. However, the "Quy Do"'s performance did not significantly improve.
The visiting team conceded first from an unintentional own goal by 19-year-old center-back Ayden Heaven. A cross from center-back Bashir Humphreys on the left deflected off Heaven's foot, changing direction and looping into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Senne Lammens rooted to the spot as the ball found the net.
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Burnley players celebrate a goal. Photo: Reuters |
The early goal allowed Burnley to comfortably adopt a defensive counter-attacking strategy, ceding possession to Man Utd. Fletcher's squad also created several dangerous opportunities, including two instances where Humphreys and Maxime Esteve cleared the ball off the goal line from shots by Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu. Furthermore, former Man Utd goalkeeper Martin Dubravka made a spectacular diving save to deny a Benjamin Sesko header.
In the 28th minute, Man Utd thought they had equalized when Lisandro Martinez scored from a rebound, but the goal was disallowed. Referee Stuart Attwell ruled that Martinez had pushed Kyle Walker prior to his shot. Slow-motion replays indicated Martinez's push was not overly forceful, prompting Fletcher's frustration. Despite this, VAR did not intervene, and Attwell's initial decision was upheld.
Man Utd's persistent pressure finally paid off in the 50th minute. Fernandes delivered a precise through ball, allowing Sesko to run clear and slot a one-touch shot diagonally past the goalkeeper, leveling the score. This goal ended the Slovenian forward's 11-match goalless streak across all competitions.
Fernandes later struck the post in the 55th minute following a long pass from Lisandro Martinez, but was encouraged by the visiting supporters. Just 5 minutes later, the Portuguese midfielder played a wide pass for Dorgu, who advanced and crossed to Sesko, who tapped it into the far corner, completing his first brace for the "Quy Do".
After Man Utd took the lead, Fletcher substituted Fernandes for Mount. Man Utd immediately lost control of the game, allowing Burnley to equalize at 2-2. Receiving the ball in the penalty area, midfielder Jaidon Anthony faked a move to bypass Martinez, then curled a left-footed shot into the top far corner, leaving Lammens with no chance.
Hoang An
