January 08, (THEWILL) — Burnley salvaged a point at home in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United, denying interim head coach Darren Fletcher his first victory in charge. The hosts took an early lead when Bashir Humphreys’ delivery struck Ayden Heaven and diverted into the net.
Manchester United responded with sustained pressure, forcing Humphreys and Maxime Esteve into crucial goal-line interventions to keep out efforts from Mathues Cunha and Patrick Dorgu. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka produced an outstanding stop to deny Benjamin Sesko, whilst Lisandro Martinez saw a goal ruled out for a foul on Kyle Walker.
The visitors drew level five minutes after the interval when Sesko converted from Bruno Fernandes’ pass. Fernandes then struck the woodwork before Sesko added his second on the hour, finishing superbly after good build-up play involving Patrick Dorgu down the left flank.
Jaidon Anthony restored parity for Scott Parker’s side with an excellent curling strike that gave Senne Lammens no opportunity to save. Substitute Shea Lacey nearly snatched victory late on when his attempt rattled the crossbar.
Both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils despite United creating numerous opportunities in the second period. Heaven missed a close-range header whilst Fernandes’ shot came back off the post in a dominant spell that ultimately went unrewarded.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
