Fletcher left frustrated as United draws again, but praises Sesko brace

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

Sesko had scored just twice in 17 appearances since his 74 million-pound ($100 million) move from RB Leipzig prior to Wednesday's trip to Turf Moor.

However, Jaidon Anthony's fine strike saw United drop points for the fifth time in six games.

"It helps me for my confidence, but also it is most important to help the team in every single situation," Sesko told the BBC. "It's been tough, but now I finally did it, and I'm happy I could help the team, this is the most important thing for me, and now it's just up to me, and up to us, to keep going like that."

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 halftime lead.

"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 how he needs to keep believing and the players need to get more service to him," said Fletcher.

"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 the club's first game since the sacking of Ruben Amorim on Monday, Fletcher was left to rue both the finishing and luck of the Red Devils.

Lisandro Martinez had a first-half equalizer 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.

"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.

"We did more than enough in terms of chances, shots and balls cleared off the line. I'm not sure why Martinez's goal was taken away.

"When you get to 2-1 up you want to see out the game, score another goal. To concede and not find the goal to win 3-2, it's disappointing. The effort was there, the application was there. I'm happy with their output and levels, but I know they have more in them."

Fletcher confirmed he will remain in charge for Sunday's FA Cup tie against Brighton, while United reportedly looks to appoint an interim manager for the rest of the season.

"And then we'll take it from there," he said. "I've been around the first team for years before this. I'm only focusing on the job at hand, the next game."

The United stalwart, with 342 appearances for the club, will remain in place until a caretaker is appointed for the rest of the campaign, according to British media reports, with the club planning to name Ruben Amorim's permanent successor in the summer.

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

A point sees United slip to seventh in the table, two points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

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

Agencies