Jaidon Anthony’s late strike earned Burnley a 2-2 draw against Manchester United and denied Darren Fletcher a first victory as interim head coach. Benjamin
Sesko scored twice for United, yet Scott Parker’s team survived strong pressure. The result extends United’s sequence of league draws and keeps Burnley on a long winless run.
United recovered from an early setback and led by the hour mark, with Sesko completing a clinical brace. Anthony then produced a curling equaliser that beat Senne Lammens. Teenager Shea Lacey struck the bar in the closing stages, but Burnley resisted and secured a valuable point away from home.
The visitors struck first after a bright opening. Bashir Humphreys attacked down the left and sent in a cross that struck Ayden Heaven. The touch wrong‑footed the defence and the ball looped into the far corner. That early breakthrough rewarded Burnley’s aggressive start but also sparked a strong reaction from Manchester United.
After falling behind, United controlled long spells of the first half and created several clear chances. Humphreys and Maxime Esteve both produced goal-line blocks, denying efforts from Mathues Cunha and Patrick Dorgu. Martin Dubravka then made an athletic save from Benjamin Sesko, while a Lisandro Martinez finish was ruled out for a foul on Kyle Walker.
Bruno Fernandes returned from injury and quickly influenced the contest. Fernandes had missed the previous three matches but started here and set up the equaliser. On 50 minutes, Fernandes threaded a pass into Sesko, who controlled well then drove a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to level the match at 1-1.
United continued to attack with confidence after the first goal. Fernandes struck the post with one attempt, while Heaven headed off target from close range at the other end. On the hour mark, Sesko gave United a 2-1 lead, steering a precise finish into the far corner after inventive approach play down the left from Dorgu.
The points are shared.Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 7, 2026
That advantage did not last, as Burnley responded against the pattern of play. Anthony cut inside and bent a superb shot into the top corner, giving Lammens no chance. United pushed hard in the final minutes, with Lacey’s rising effort hitting the crossbar, yet Parker’s side stayed organised and protected the draw.
Manchester United and Burnley Premier League draw extends winless runs
The outcome continues an awkward spell for Manchester United in the league. This was a third straight draw, their first such sequence in the competition since December 2018. Those dropped points may prove costly in the race for Champions League qualification next season, with rivals also competing for the same positions.
Fernandes’ display was a key positive for Fletcher despite the frustration. The midfielder had been unavailable for three games through injury but returned with sharp passing and movement. Fernandes created Sesko’s opener and nearly scored himself. Fernandes now has eight assists in this Premier League campaign, more than any other player so far.
That creative output keeps Fernandes close to his best previous seasons. Fernandes recorded 12 assists in 2020-21 and 10 in 2024-25, so this year’s tally is already his third-highest. Burnley, meanwhile, collected a spirited point yet remain without a league win in 12 matches, matching their worst Premier League run from 2009-10, when the team were relegated.
