Manchester United’s first match following the departure of Rúben Amorim ended in familiar frustration, as they let a lead slip in a 2-2 draw with Burnley — their fourth stalemate in the last six Premier League games.

While the build-up was dominated by Amorim’s dismissal, Darren Fletcher took interim charge and saw little immediate change in United’s early performance. The hosts were even stunned into falling behind against a Burnley side winless in 11 matches, though fortune played a major role in the opening goal. Bashir Humphreys’ cross deflected off Ayden Heaven and looped into the far corner, leaving United exposed.

United’s response lacked urgency, but they did test Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka midway through the first half when Bruno Fernandes, making his return, delivered a pinpoint cross for Benjamin Šeško, whose header was comfortably saved.

Moments later, United thought they had equalised when Matheus Cunha’s goalbound header was cleared off the line by Humphreys. From the resulting corner, Lisandro Martínez swept the ball home, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul on Kyle Walker in the build-up — a decision that visibly angered Fletcher on the touchline.

United continued to apply pressure before the break. Šeško forced a fine fingertip save from Dúbravka with a close-range header, while Manuel Ugarte dragged a shot narrowly wide from inside the area.

The breakthrough finally arrived five minutes after half-time. Fernandes threaded a clever pass into the box, and Šeško calmly swept the ball into the far corner to level the score.

Burnley struggled to cope with United’s intensity in the early stages of the second half. Fernandes struck the post with a fierce effort, and Heaven somehow headed wide from six yards as wave after wave of attacks followed.

United’s dominance paid off on the hour mark when Šeško struck again, darting across the near post to convert Patrick Dorgu’s low cross and complete the turnaround.

However, United’s lead was short-lived. Substitute Jaidon Anthony restored parity for Burnley with a beautifully curled left-footed finish from the edge of the area.

Late on, United pushed for a winner and came agonisingly close. Academy graduate Shea Lacey rattled the crossbar with a powerful effort before sending another long-range strike narrowly wide.

In the end, United had to settle for a point that did little to strengthen their top-four ambitions. For Burnley, the draw extended their winless run to 12 matches, offering limited relief in their ongoing struggle for form.