Man Utd made cardinal sin vs Burnley – Solskjaer won’t want to repeat | Football | Sport

For a fleeting moment, Manchester United looked back on track. They came from behind away to Burnley, which is no easy feat, a Benjamin Sesko double had overturned their deficit and suddenly there was optimism in the away end at Turf Moor. Bruno Fernandes was back from injury and with Darren Fletcher at the helm, likely soon to be Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, there was light at the end of the Ruben Amorim tunnel.

But just a minute after Sesko wheeled away in celebration for the second time, Fletcher made a decision that Solskjaer, or any other future manager, will undoubtedly steer away from repeating. The captain made his way off the pitch and was replaced by Mason Mount, lasting an hour on his comeback.

Fitness issues aside, Fernandes simply needs to be on the pitch as much as possible. He is by far United’s best player, their leader, and driving force, propelling them away from turmoil.

And there was little surprise when just five minutes after the skipper trudged off the pitch, Jaidon Anthony struck an equaliser from range, bagging his second of the season against United.

The Red Devils, without their midfield maestro, were unable to threaten the Burnley goal at their previous rate and ultimately came away with one point instead of the three they deserved.

Fletcher is just one game into his senior managerial career. He can be forgiven for the move, and undoubtedly was protecting Fernandes’ fitness. But it serves as a warning to his successor that the Portuguese midfielder’s importance should not be underestimated.

There were plenty of encouragements for United, however.

Sesko looked like a £73million striker for the first time in a United shirt and the team had 30 shots in total, the most they have recorded in the Premier League this season.

Once Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu swapped flanks in the second half they looked dangerous.

Kobbie Mainoo returned off the bench, Harry Maguire was in the matchday squad, and Shea Lacey’s cameo in the final few minutes provided plenty of intrigue and promise.

But any future United head coach should now be well aware that the Red Devils are a much, much better team with Fernandes on the pitch.