Manchester United were forced to settle for a draw in their first match following the dismissal of head coach Ruben Amorim, as relegation-threatened Burnley rallied to earn just their third point from the last 12 games.
United appeared set for a comeback win when striker Benjamin Sesko struck twice in the opening 10 minutes of the second half, both goals finished clinically at the first attempt to take his season tally higher.
Burnley had gone into the interval in front after Ayden Heaven turned the ball into his own net. And after Sesko’s brace seemed to have swung the game in United’s favour, the hosts responded through Jaidon Anthony, who scored the equaliser.
The result proved disappointing for interim manager Darren Fletcher, who abandoned Amorim’s preferred system of three centre-backs and wing-backs and instead watched his side create a host of chances.
Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu both saw goalbound efforts cleared off the line, while Lisandro Martinez had a goal ruled out following a contentious push on former Manchester City defender Kyle Walker. Sesko also missed opportunities to complete his hat-trick, and teenage substitute Shea Lacey struck the crossbar with a fine curling effort.
Before kick-off, travelling supporters voiced their displeasure with the club’s leadership, displaying a banner criticising minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chanting angrily about co-chairman Joel Glazer.
Despite the unrest, fans also showed their backing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, who are widely viewed as the leading candidates to step in as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season.