Manchester United were held 2-2 at Burnley in a match which emphasised the challenges facing the Red Devils’ next manager after Ruben Amorim’s dramatic departure earlier this week.
United wasted some golden chances and looked unconvicing in the first half, falling behind thanks to an own goal by Ayden Heaven as an attempted clearance looped over keeper Senne Lammens.
19th-placed Burnley weathered a storm late in the first half but Benjamin Sesko looked to put United in control, scoring twice to double his goal tally for the season - and scoring as many for interim manager Darren Fletcher as he did under Amorim.
But substitute Jaidon Anthony lashed home a stunning euqaliser for Burnley against the run of play, while Clarets keeper Martin Dubravka produced some excellent saves as Fletcher was frustrated in his first match in charge.
The result leaves Burnley 12 matches without a win and rooted in the relegation zone, while United wasted another chance to move up to fourth, falling to seventh as Newcastle leapfrogged them.
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Burnley vs Manchester United live
- Burnley draw to Manchester United in the Premier League
- 66' GOAL! Anthony curls in superb equaliser [BUR 2-2 MUN]
- '59 GOAL! Sesko completes turnaround with quickfire double [BUR 1-2 MUN]
- 51' GOAL! Sesko equalises with accomplished finish [BUR 1-1 MUN]
- 13' GOAL! Heaven scores own goal to open scoring [BUR 1-0 MUN]
Manchester United show signs of life under Darren Fletcher but same old problems remain
22:32 , Chris WilsonHopefully, Darren Fletcher had said, his team would look like a Manchester United side.
They did. There was much to recognise from the brand of United Fletcher knew in his playing days. A side with a back four and spirit mounted a comeback. There was the sort of attacking football United had hoped to see under Ruben Amorim. There was a big-money signing delivering goals, a United academy product showing promise. There was a soundtrack rooted firmly in history, too, celebrating United’s old heroes.
Unfortunately for Fletcher, the result was rooted in the present, with more points dropped in a winnable fixture. Amorim’s last game was a draw against a promoted club. So was Fletcher’s first. In Amorim’s penultimate match, United drew with the side then on the longest winless run in the division, in Wolves. That mantle has passed to Burnley and they held duly United. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss?
Manchester United show signs of life under Darren Fletcher but old problems remain
Premier League results tonight
23:45 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of results for this evening then:
- Bournemouth 3-2 Tottenham
- Brentford 3-0 Sunderland
- Crystal Palace 0-0 Aston Villa
- Everton 1-1 Wolves
- Fulham 2-1 Chelsea
- Man City 1-1 Brighton
- Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
- Newcastle 4-3 Leeds
Tim Sherwood brands Benjamin Sesko ‘not good enough for Man Utd’ despite striker’s brace against Burnley
23:30 , Chris WilsonFormer Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has branded Benjamin Sesko“not good enough for Manchester United” in a bizarre tirade after the Slovenian striker scored a brace against Burnley at Turf Moor.
Sesko, who joined United in a deal worth £73m in the summer, was disappointing in the first half at Turf Moor but exploded into life in the second half, scoring a brace within 10 minutes to turn the game around before Jaidon Anthony sealed a 2-2 draw for the hosts.
However, Sherwood was not impressed, explaining that he would have “had him [Sesko] off the pitch at half-time”.
Sherwood brands Sesko ‘not good enough for Man Utd’ despite brace against Burnley
Parker: 'There's definitely belief'
23:25 , Chris WilsonBurnley boss Scott Parker had this to say after full-time:
"I demanded a reaction [after the Brighton defeat] and every one of the players wanted that reaction as well. So we come off the back of a result at the weekend where we were hugely critical, me as well to the group, and the players as well,” he explained.
“We let ourselves down at the weekend in a certain element that we need to bring to a game of football in the Premier League and we did that tonight.
"We start the game well. We get our noses in front and from there going 2-1 down, the reaction after that was superb really. Pleased with a point and we move on, a big point for us.
"There's definitely belief, for sure there is. There's been some tough times and of course that's been the way it's been and I see a pure belief in the team tonight,” he added as he finished.
Fletcher: Sesko 'a real positive'
23:15 , Chris WilsonOn Benjamin Sesko's goals, Fletcher added: "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 he needs to keep believing and the players need to get more service to him. He did that tonight and scored two great goals. A real positive night for Ben.
"He had other opportunities, a header, another snapshot. The team is disappointed with a point but in terms of a personal level hopefully he can kick on from that now."
Fletcher: 'A massive disappointment'
23:10 , Chris WilsonManchester United interim boss Darren Fletcher spoke to BBC Match of the Day after full-time, and called the result “a massive disappointment”.
“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 so obviously it is disappointing when you only come away with a point,” he explained.
On the disallowed goal, he said: "It just looked like normal things that happen at every corner so it's surprising that decision was given. If you look at the context of the Premier League this season and the physicality that goes into set pieces, I have seen way worse on almost every set piece, so I am massively surprised the referee has got involved there, it's something we have to accept but there was a lot of frustration."
Fletcher in charge for Brighton match
23:00 , Chris WilsonDarren Fletcher has confirmed that he will take charge of United for the FA Cup match against Brighton this weekend.
“They have informed me they would like me to take the team for Sunday,” said Fletcher regarding talks with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada.
Sesko: 'It’s hard for us'
22:45 , Chris WilsonUnited scorer Benjamin Sesko spoke to Sky after full-time. Here’s what he had to say:
“First of all, it’s hard for us. We were fighting, giving our best, trying to find ways to score. Unfortunately we concede a second goal, but we have to keep going.
“It’s easier for me but it’s important for the team that I can help that way [by scoring], it’s my job at the end of the day. We have to keep moving from here.
“It’s important to try to come to chances over and over again. We created a lot of chances, so we just have to keep pushing.
“It’s never easy when you lose a manager but now it;s iup to us to stay together as a group. In the end it’s important to focus on upcoming training and games,” he adds as he finishes.
Neville: 'United keep missing opportunities'
22:38 , Chris WilsonGary Neville reflected on a disappointing result for United after the full-time whistle.
"Manchester United were better in the second half but they will be really disappointed with the second goal. They have to defend it better,” says the former United defender.
"It is another two points dropped against teams near the bottom of the league. They have dropped so many points in the last few weeks,
“They keep missing oppportunites to go into fourth place,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:28 , Chris WilsonUnited have now moved down into seventh thanks to a late winner from Harvey Barnes for Newcastle! The Magpies are now up into sixth on goal difference.
FULL-TIME! Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:25 , Chris Wilson
'A good game for the neutral'
22:19 , Richard Jolly at Turf MoorThe latest from Richard Jolly at Turf Moor:
“A good game for the neutral but it’s another two points dropped for the visitors, who nonetheless stay in sixth and above Chelsea.”
FULL-TIME! Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:17 , Chris WilsonThat result keeps United in sixth in the Premier League, with Brentford having risen to fifth and Chelsea having fallen to seventh with their loss to Fulham.
Burnley stay in 19th, with 13 points, The Clarets are eight points adrift of safety.
FULL-TIME! Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:13 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and it ends all square at Turf Moor!
A good game for the neutral but it’s another two points dropped for the visitors, who nonetheless stay in sixth and above Chelsea.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:11 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Shea Lacey has a late attempt at goal from range but it flies wide of the near post.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:10 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
The hosts are happy to keep it in the corner and try to frustrate United as the match approaches the final whistle.
The visitors do win a free-kick eventually and they might have a chance to lump the ball into the Burnley area late on.
Foster is booked for timewasting as Lammens launches it long.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:08 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Burnley bring on Oliver Sonne for Marcus Edwards, who has been impressive in parts tonight.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:08 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
United are still having the lion’s share of possession but they haven’t really created much with it, with their latest cross coming back off Zirkzee as it was fired in.
Mount clips a lovely ball over the top of the defence to the overlapping Shaw, but he misread the flight of the ball and it rolls out of play.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:06 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Martinez looks for Sesko with a long ball but it runs through and out for a goal kick.
We’ll have five minutes of time added on.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:05 , Chris Wilson89 mins
A yellow card here for Scott Parker, presumably for dissent. He’s a few minutes away from a big result here.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:03 , Chris Wilson87 mins
A wasteful attack from United as Dalot wastes a shot and then Mainoo blazes over from 30 yards. The visitors need better game management from here.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:01 , Chris Wilson84 mins
OFF THE BAR! Almost a dream introduction for Lacey as he picks the ball up, cuts inside and curls one towards the far corner, but it rocks the crossbar!
Dubravka was beaten but it wasn’t to be for the youngster.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
22:00 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Another change for United as Shea Lacey replaces Ugarte. The youngster has come on at right wing.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:57 , Chris Wilson81 mins
CHANCE! Almost falls for Sesko again as Dorgu’s cross deflects to the Slovenian, but he can’t get proper contact from around 10 yards and it goes straight at the ‘keeper!
Burnley counter up the other end and win a corner.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:56 , Chris Wilson80 mins
Still fairly stop-start in this one, though both sides seem to be looking for the win.
United are dominating possession but the hosts continue to look dangerous on the break.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:53 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Half a chance for the visitors as Dalot’s cross to the near post is headed on by Yoro, but nobody made the gamble to run to the back post to tap in!
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:51 , Chris Wilson76 mins
Neither side can get control at the moment, with a couple of cheap fouls breaking up play.
Lyle Foster comes on for Armando Broja for the hosts.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:49 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Two subs for United as Cunha and Casemiro come off for Joshua Zirkzee and Kobbie Mainoo.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:47 , Chris Wilson71 mins
A great chance for the third for Sesko as he collects Shaw’s pass in the box, but he can’t get any power on the shot as he hits it on the swivel.
Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:45 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Burnley have put pressure on the visitors since their equaliser and they win a free-kick in a promising area, though Edwards fires into the wall.
GOAL! Burnley 2-2 Man Utd
21:42 , Chris Wilson66 mins
GOAL! Out of nowhere, Burnley are level!
It’s a superb strike from Jaidon Anthony, who takes in edwards’ pass in the box and cuts back past Martinez before curling into the far corner!
Burnley 1-2 Man Utd
21:40 , Chris Wilson65 mins
Burnley get some brief respite as they win a free-kick, with shaw heading away Pires’ delivery.
Walker delivers a long throw but Shaw heads clear again for now.
'He has started to look a £73m forward'
21:38 , Richard Jolly at Turf MoorThe latest from Richard Jolly at Turf Moor:
“Two goals for Sesko under Amorim, two under Fletcher already. He has started to look a £73m forward today. He rarely did before then in his United career.”
Burnley 1-2 Man Utd
21:37 , Chris Wilson62 mins
Subs for United right after the goal, as Heaven and Fernandes come off for Leny Yoro and Mason Mount.
GOAL! Burnley 1-2 Man Utd
21:36 , Chris Wilson60 mins
GOAL! Another for Benjamin Sesko!
It’s a lovely finish too, with the striker side-footing a volley past Dubravka after a great cross from Dorgu.
Burnley 1-1 Man Utd
21:34 , Chris Wilson59 mins
Jaidon Anthony has come on for Hannibal for the hosts. He’s involved right away but the move breaks down as the cross from Pires is straight to Lammens.
Burnley 1-1 Man Utd
21:33 , Chris Wilson57 mins
CLOSE! Oh, how has he missed?!
The corner comes in from the right and Heaven loses his marker about three yards out, but he heads it onto his shoulder and it goes wide!
Burnley 1-1 Man Utd
21:31 , Chris Wilson56 mins
OFF THE POST! A great chance for Fernandes, as a ball over the top finds him in the box and he lashes an effort to the near post that cannons back off the woodwork!
Burnley 1-1 Man Utd
21:31 , Richard Jolly at Turf MoorThe latest from Richard Jolly at Turf Moor:
“Benjamin Sesko only got two goals for Amorim. He has one already for Fletcher and could be a beneficiary of the sacking. It was notable, too, that it came from a pass from Bruno Fernandes, selected as a 10 by Fletcher.”
Burnley 1-1 Man Utd
21:29 , Chris Wilson54 mins
Burnley might have to take the game to united again now and they’ve begun to do so, with Broja shaking off a challenge before winning a corner off Martinez.
The set-piece comes to nothing and United launch a counter, with Sesko winning a corner at the other end.
GOAL! Burnley 1-1 Man Utd
21:27 , Chris Wilson51 mins
GOAL! The visitors have equalised!
It looks so simple too, with Fernandes slipping a lovely through ball into the path of Sesko, who rifles a low finish across Dubravka and into the far corner.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:26 , Chris Wilson50 mins
The half has started in a similar way to how the first ended, with United in possession in the Burnley half.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:23 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Almost an opening for the visitors as Cunha tries to slip in a pass to Dorgu, but the Dane can’t get free in the box.
KICK-OFF! Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:21 , Chris WilsonWe’re back in action at Turf Moor!
No subs for either side at half-time.
KICK-OFF! Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:21 , Chris WilsonWe’re back in action at Turf Moor!
No subs for either side at half-time.
HALF-TIME! Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:17 , Chris WilsonCan United turn this around after the break? Tney’ve seen two good chances cleared off the line but they haven’t put a lot of pressure on the hosts so far.
It’s been lacking in intensity, tempo and penetration for the visiting attack, so will we see some subs?
We’ll find out soon enough, as we’ll be back underway in a few minutes.
'At least United are making chances'
21:14 , Richard Jolly at Turf MoorThe latest from Richard Jolly at Turf Moor:
“A bad scoreline for Manchester United but a decent response to conceding in the last half-hour. Burnley have made two brilliant goal-line clearances to retain their lead, while Martin Dubravka has done well in midfield. Fletcher can at least say that United are making chances with this new formation.”
HALF-TIME! Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:11 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:04 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the whistle and Burnley head into the break 1-0 up!
The hosts have been good value for the lead considering their defensive performance, with two superb clearances preserving their lead against a United side who have toiled in attack at times.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:03 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
OFF THE LINE! Another great clearance for Burnley!
Fernandes slips a lovely through ball between the defenders and Dorgu gets on the end of it, with the Dane chipping over the onrushing Dubravka. It’s heading in but Esteve is back there to boot it off the line for a corner!
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:02 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Into the first of two minutes of added time. United in possession and Cunha finds a gap near the edge of the box but he fires straight at the ‘keeper.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
21:00 , Chris Wilson44 mins
CHANCE! Another chance for United, as Casemiro chests a lay-off Ugarte, who lashes a half-volley wide of the far post.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:59 , Chris Wilson43 mins
CHANCE! A great header from Sesko, who gets in between the defenders again and heads goalwards from the penalty spot. It’s heading towards the top corner but Dubravka dives across to tip it over!
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:57 , Chris Wilson40 mins
United do get half a chance and it comes from a counter as Walker loses it, before the visitors move it to Sesko and the Slovenian fires too close to Dubravka.
At the other end, Hannibal is booked for a dive.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:56 , Chris Wilson39 mins
A bit of a lull in activity here as Burnley sit in and look to counter. United not exactly piling on the pressure despite their possession, with the visitors looking fairly pedestrian in attack at the moment.
Fletcher is looking a little bemused on the touchline.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:52 , Chris Wilson36 mins
Just not happening for United at the moment, with Burnley happy to sit back and counter for now.
The visitors are having plenty of possession but they aren’t threatening the Clarets at present.
'Pires one of the brightest players'
20:50 , Richard JollyThe latest from Richard Jolly at Turf Moor:
“Lucas Pires has been one of the brightest players so far, often finding space on the Burnley left. The switch to a back four should have suited Diogo Dalot - often miscast as a left wing-back by Amorim, used as a right-back by Fletcher - but he has endured a difficult start.”
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:48 , Chris Wilson32 mins
CLOSE! Half a chance for Burnley as Pires receives the ball in the box before hitting a low effort towsrds the far corner, but it flies past the far post. Looked like Lammens had it covered in truth.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:44 , Chris Wilson28 mins
The corner comes in and there’s pinball in the box before Lisandro Martinez spins and turns the ball in.
However, there’s a foul on Walker by Martinez in the build-up, and it’s chalked off!
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:43 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Cunha gets into a central area and wins a free-kick around 30 yards out.
Fernandes clips a clever ball towards Casemiro and he heads it across goal, with Cunha rising to head it goalwards.
It looks destined for the back of the net but Humphreys has rushed back to clear off his line!
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:40 , Chris Wilson23 mins
First chance of the match for Sesko as he gets in between the centre-backs to glance Fernandes’ cross towards goal, but t didn’t have enough power and was right at Dubravka.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:37 , Chris Wilson20 mins
It’s still a very open match and neither side has managed to take control, though there have been few chances either.
United are beginning to enjoy a bit more possession but there are no gaps in gthe home defence at the moment.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:34 , Chris Wilson17 mins
A promising United attack breaks down as Casemiro is penalised for handball.
The visitors are trying to build some attacking pressure but Burnley are getting plenty of joy down the left in attack.
Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:33 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Richard Jolly at Turf Moor:
“And so the first goal of the Darren Fletcher era is turned in by Ayden Heaven. Even if it was turned into his own net. The fact he stuck his left leg out to try and block Bashir Humphreys' cross may have shown the problems of using a left-footed centre-back on the right.”
GOAL! Burnley 1-0 Man Utd
20:30 , Chris Wilson13 mins
GOAL! The hosts are head!
It’s a kind goal but they all count.
Burnley ship the ball to Bashir Humphreys on the wing, and his low cross takes a wicked deflection off Ayden Heaven and loops into the far bottom corner!
Burnley 0-0 Man Utd
20:26 , Chris Wilson11 mins
A promising United counter sees Sesko and Dorgu 2-v-2 with the home defence, but the Denmark international can’t control Sesko’s backheel as he gets into the box.
Burnley 0-0 Man Utd
20:24 , Chris Wilson8 mins
The first real ‘chance’ of the night sees United work it well – with a little bit of luck – on the edge of the Burnley box before a wild Casemiro effort flies high and wide.
Burnley 0-0 Man Utd
20:22 , Chris Wilson6 mins
Not a bad opening for Burnley as they work it to Pires on the left, but his cross to the back post beats his teammates.
Plenty of space for both sides early on.
Burnley 0-0 Man Utd
20:21 , Chris Wilson4 mins
A couple of early forays forward to Dorgu, though his first cross into the box is straight to Dubravka.
United win it back quickly but Fernandes can’t find Sesko, with Laurent intercepting well.
'Farewell to Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3'
20:19 , Richard JollyThe latest from Richard Jolly, who is in place at Turf Moor this evening:
“Farewell to Ruben Amorim's 3-4-3 formation. Darren Fletcher has given United a back four. Patrick Dorgu, signed as a wing-back, is operating as a left winger. It is also instructive that Bruno Fernandes, played deeper by Amorim this season, is a No 10 in a 4-2-3-1.”
Burnley 0-0 Man Utd
20:19 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Plenty of touches for both sides early on, with Patrick Dorgu indeed lining up on the wing for the visitors early on.
KICK-OFF! Burnley 0-0 Man Utd
20:16 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at Turf Moor!
Burnley vs Manchester United live
20:13 , Chris WilsonThe latest from Richard Jolly, who is in place at Turf Moor this evening:
“It is a return to East Lancashire for Jason Wilcox, a title winner with Blackburn in 1995 and thus probably not popular in Burnley. Although, judging by the warm way he has greeted a couple of people in the directors' box, they seem to like him more than Ruben Amorim does.”
Burnley vs Manchester United live
20:10 , Chris WilsonBoth sets of players are in the tunnel at Turf Moor, so we’ll be underway soon. Will we see an improved United under the tutelage of Darren Fletcher?
United set for back four?
20:05 , Chris WilsonFletcher mentioned that United’s players have been set up “in a way that we feel can win the match”, but that is also suited to “their personalities and styles”.
The warm-up has seen Heaven and Martinez paired together while Dorgu has been partaking in the shooting drills, which suggests the former may be playing as the two central defenders with Dorgu more advanced, which would likely be on the wing.
Fletcher: 'I trust the players'
20:00 , Chris WilsonUnited interim boss Darren Fletcher has been speaking to Sky Sports, and here’s what he had to say:
“I’m relaxed, I’m looking forward to it. I trust the players, we’ve done the work, we’ve prepped for the game fantastically.” he explained.
“We’re happy with how preparations have gone, and we’re ready to go, I’m excited to watch the lads go and perform.
“It’s important Bruno is back. This game was targeted for a few of the players coming back from injury, so we’ve got a stronger bench tonight as well.
“We’ve set them up in a way that we feel can win the match. It suits their personalities and styles. It’s up to them to execute it, they’ve got to take that responsibitiy, but I trsut them to do it,” he added.
Burnley vs Manchester United live
19:55 , Chris Wilson
Head-to-head
19:50 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 138 times in the past, with United winning 68, Burnley winning 45 and 25 ending as draws.
The reverse fixture in August produced an entertaining match at Old Trafford, as United ran out 3-2 winners thanks to a 97th-minute penalty from Bruno Fernandes.
The glaring problems left for Ruben Amorim’s successor to fix at Man United
19:45 , Chris WilsonRuben Amorim is gone and Manchester United are back in the sea of uncertainty. The solution to a 13-year problem - the search for a guiding figurehead post-Sir Alex Ferguson - remains as distant as it’s ever been.
Amorim arrived at Old Trafford to much fanfare off the back of a stellar reign at Sporting CP. He’d been courted by Liverpool as a potential successor to Jurgen Klopp before their hierarchy landed on Arne Slot. So when the Portuguese signed on the dotted line with the Red Devils in November 2024, there was hope that the then 39-year-old - a spring chicken in managerial terms - would be Manchester United’s future.
Instead, his 14-month reign of error leaves him with an unenviable legacy as the club’s worst permanent manager of the Premier League era. Overhyped and incapable of restoring the dereliction left by Erik ten Hag, the daunting task of stabilising once the ruling force of English football will fall into new hands.
The glaring problems left for Ruben Amorim’s successor to fix at Man United
Ruben Amorim was doomed to fail inside Manchester United’s broken machine
19:35 , Chris WilsonAs almost everyone in football gleefully shares gossip about Manchester United, there is one detail that is provoking more intrigue. Many are asking whether Ruben Amorim was ultimately sacked over how he spoke to director of football Jason Wilcox in that now notorious Friday meeting. If so, it would seem a little over-sensitive for elite-end football.
It should be acknowledged there were sound football reasons for sacking Amorim. The football was often unwatchable and many results were unjustifiable, but league position shows this wasn’t irredeemable. And while the 1-1 against Wolves caused a shift that sparked serious discussion among the hierarchy on New Year’s Day, Friday appears to have brought the moment when an undesirable situation became “unsustainable”.
The feeling was only deepened after Amorim’s press conference at Leeds United, where some have since taken greater note of the specific managers the Portuguese referenced. “I know my name isn’t [Thomas] Tuchel, [Antonio] Conte or [Jose] Mourinho, but I’m the manager.”
Ruben Amorim was doomed to fail inside Manchester United’s broken machine
Match stats
19:25 , Chris WilsonBurnley picked up seven points in their first four home Premier League games this season, but have since won just one point in their last six, drawing one and losing five.
The Clarets remain winless in their last 11 Premier League games (D2 L9), only going longer without a win within a single top-flight season on four previous occasions.
Team news
19:20 , Richard Jolly at Turf MoorThe latest from Richard Jolly, who is in place at Turf Moor this evening:
“Darren Fletcher has named his first team as Manchester United's interim manager and he has presumably had to deliver bad news to his son Tyler, who has dropped out of the squad.
“It is in part because he has four players back, in Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire. The captain starts, but the question is whether it is in Ruben Amorim's beloved 3-4-3 or in a 4-2-3-1, which might mean Patrick Dorgu playing on the right wing.”
Team news
19:16 , Chris WilsonDarren Fletcher has made just one changes to the starting XI that drew with Leeds, with the former United midfielder boosted by the return of captain Bruno Fernandes, who comes into the side in attacking midfield, with Leny Yoro dropping out.
The biggest news is that Fletcher lines up with what looks like a more typical 4-2-3-1, with Casemiro and Ugarte in holding midfield and Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu as wingers.
Team news
19:12 , Chris WilsonScott Parker has made three changes to the side that lost 2-0 to Brighton at the weekend. In defence, Hjalmar Ekdal comes out in favour of the returning Maxim Esteve, while in midfield Jaidon Anthony and Jacob Bruun Larsen are replaced by Hannibal Mejbri and Marcus Edwards.
Line-ups
19:06 , Chris WilsonMan Utd XI: Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Lisandro Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Bruno Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Subs: Bayindir, Malacia, Yoro, Maguire, Fletcher, Lacey, Mainoo, Mount, Zirkxee.
Representing United at Turf Moor 💪⚪️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 7, 2026
Line-ups
19:05 , Chris WilsonBurnley XI: Dúbravka; Walker, Humphreys, Estève, Lucas Pires; Ugochukwu, Florentino, Laurent; Edwards, Broja, Hannibal.
Subs: Tchaouna, Sonne, Weiss, Barnes, Hartmann, Bruun Larsen, Ekdal, Foster, Anthony,
Taking on Manchester United tonight 📋 pic.twitter.com/6Wxms4Pk5Q
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) January 7, 2026
Team news
18:55 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups will be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news...
Burnley hope to have Maxime Esteve back available after the defender missed the defeat to Brighton. Scott Parker remains without a chunk of his first-choice side, though.
Manchester United could be bolstered by the returns of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to the matchday squad. The system utilised by interim manager Darren Fletcher may be of interest, too, after Ruben Amorim’s recent move away from the wing-back system he had favoured.
Enzo Maresca and seven other candidates to be next Man United manager
18:45 , Chris WilsonDarren Fletcher will take caretaker charge of the team for the trip to Burnley on Wednesday as the search for a new boss begins. Enzo Maresca, Oliver Glasner and Xavi Hernandez are among the frontrunners.
But who are the candidates to replace Amorim in the Old Trafford dugout?
Enzo Maresca and seven other candidates to be next Man United manager
Who is Darren Fletcher? Manchester United legend taking charge after Ruben Amorim sacking
18:35 , Chris WilsonManchester United are now manager-less after head coach Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday, bringing an end to a turbulent 14 months at the club.
The Portuguese was appointed in November 2024 after excelling at Sporting CP, but could not replicate those results at Old Trafford and was relieved of his duties at a meeting with sporting director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Barrada.
His departure comes less than 24 hours after an incendiary rant revealed the cracks in his relationship with the club’s hierarchy.
Who is Darren Fletcher? Manchester United legend in charge after Ruben Amorim sacking
Today's Premier League fixtures
18:25 , Chris WilsonThere are plenty of sides in action today in the top flight, so here’s a list of all of tonight’s fixtures:
Man City vs Brighton - 7.30pm
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa - 7.30pm
Fulham vs Chelsea - 7.30pm
Brentford vs Sunderland - 7.30pm
Bournemouth vs Tottenham - 7.30pm
Everton vs Wolves - 7.30pm
Burnley vs Man Utd - 8.15pm
Newcastle vs Leeds - 8.15pm
Match stats
18:10 , Chris WilsonBurnley won their first ever Premier League home game against Man Utd 1-0 in August 2009. However, they’re winless in eight against them since then (D2 L6), scoring just one goal in the process.
United have lost just two of their 19 Premier League games against Burnley,
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in talks over shock return as Man United manager
18:00 , Chris WilsonOle Gunnar Solskjaer could make a shock return to Old Trafford after Manchester United held talks with the Norwegian about becoming their interim manager.
Having sacked Ruben Amorim after just 14 months in charge on Monday morning – with his explosive rant following a 1-1 draw with Leeds over the weekend proving the final straw for the club’s hierarchy – United appointed under-18s coach Darren Fletcher as interim boss initially.
The Scot will take charge of Wednesday’s match at Burnley and is expected to remain at the helm for Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Brighton but United are leaning towards a summer appointment of a permanent new coach, meaning there is an interim role to be filled for the rest of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in talks over shock return as Man United manager
Man United settle on new plan for next manager after sacking Ruben Amorim
17:50 , Chris WilsonManchester United are likely to appoint an interim manager for the rest of the season and wait until the summer before bringing in the permanent successor to Ruben Amorim, with Darren Fletcher, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick all under consideration.
United confirmed that Under-18s coach Fletcher will take charge of Wednesday’s match at Burnley, and the Scot is expected to remain at the helm for Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Brighton.
But United are also considering waiting until the close season before installing a long-term replacement to Amorim, who was dismissed on Monday.
Man United settle on new plan for next manager after sacking Ruben Amorim
Darren Fletcher reacts to ‘surreal’ appointment as interim Manchester United manager
17:40 , Chris WilsonDarren Fletcher said it was beyond his wildest dreams to manage Manchester United for one game – but claimed he had not thought about becoming Ruben Amorim’s successor on a permanent basis.
The former United midfielder will take charge against Burnley on Wednesday but said he has had no conversations with the club’s hierarchy about staying in charge for longer, let alone becoming the next manager.
United are likely to appoint an interim manager for the rest of the season, with Fletcher’s former teammates Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick under consideration.
Darren Fletcher reacts to ‘surreal’ appointment as Manchester United manager
Darren Fletcher takes Man United reins with Sir Alex Ferguson’s blessing
17:26 , Chris WilsonThe first call Darren Fletcher made was, perhaps, the one he was always likely to make. It is probably the kind of conversation Sir Alex Ferguson has had five times over the last dozen years. First Ryan Giggs, then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, then Michael Carrick, then Ruud van Nistelrooy, now Fletcher, each asking if they should take the reins Ferguson held for 26 years and 1,500 games.
Ferguson said yes, which was just as well. To go by Fletcher’s answer, United may have needed another interim head coach if he had replied otherwise. But in times of strife, United have shown a tendency to turn to their own. And they, in turn, look to Ferguson for guidance.
“I wanted to speak to him first,” said Fletcher, who signed for United at 15 and made 312 appearances under Ferguson. “And, ultimately, to get his blessing. I think he deserves that respect. I wanted to run it by him, what he thought, and he was supportive.”
Darren Fletcher takes Man United reins with Sir Alex Ferguson’s blessing
When is Burnley vs Manchester United?
17:16 , Chris WilsonBurnley vs Manchester United is due to kick off at 8.15pm GMT on Wednesday 7 January at Turf Moor.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage on the channel from 6pm GMT. A live stream will be available via Sky Go or NOW.
Predicted line-ups
17:11 , Chris WilsonBurnley XI: Dubravka; Walker, Laurent, Ekdal, Humpreys, Pires; Luis, Ugochukwu; Edwards, Broja, Bruun Larsen.
Manchester United XI: Lammens; Dalot, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Ugarte; Dorgu, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Team news
17:06 , Chris WilsonManchester United could be bolstered by the returns of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount to the matchday squad. The system utilised by interim manager Darren Fletcher may be of interest, too, after Ruben Amorim’s recent move away from the wing-back system he had favoured.
Team news
17:03 , Chris WilsonBurnley hope to have Maxime Esteve back available after the defender missed the defeat to Brighton. Scott Parker remains without a chunk of his first-choice side, though.
Good evening
17:00 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Turf Moor.
United start life after Ruben Amorim with a midweek Premier League trip to take on the Clarets, who sit in 19th in the table.
The Old Trafford club parted ways with Amorim on Monday morning after an apparent falling out between the Portuguese manager and the hierarchy, with former midfielder Darren Fletcher placed in interim charge.
The visitors sit sixth in the league table and just three points behind Liverpool in fourth, though could equally slip back down the table should their inconsistent form continue.
In more desperate needs of points, though, are Scott Parker’s hosts, with Burnley already some distance from safety and without a win in their last 11 Premier League games.
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