One 84th-minute gamble vs Burnley from Fletcher exposed what Amorim never dared to do at United

Manchester United once again let valuable points slip on Wednesday night, being forced to settle for a frustrating 2–2 draw against Burnley in the Premier League.

The hosts initially capitalised on fortune as Ayden Heaven turned the ball into his own net, handing Burnley a flattering lead.

United responded through Benjamin Sesko, who briefly dragged his side into control with two outstanding goals that showcased his finishing quality.

However, Jaidon Anthony tormented Lisandro Martinez with sharp footwork before curling a superb equaliser beyond the goalkeeper.

All eyes were on interim head coach Darren Fletcher, who took charge on the touchline after the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

While there were no surprises after seeing the starting XI, Fletcher made a key tactical decision in the 84th minute that would have impressed United supporters.

Manuel Ugarte was the only defensive midfielder remaining on the pitch after Fletcher took off Casemiro for Kobbie Mainoo in the second half.

With United searching for a winner, the former United midfielder showed courage by taking Ugarte off for Shea Lacey in the 84th minute.

This move clearly signalled that Fletcher wanted his players to go all in for their third goal.

That level of conviction was repeatedly absent during Amorim’s tenure, particularly when decisive in-game calls were required.

Earlier this season, United somehow lost 1–0 at Old Trafford to a 10-man Everton side, a defeat that epitomised that passivity.

On that occasion, Amorim’s final roll of the dice came before the hour mark, with Diogo Dalot replacing Patrick Dorgu.

Lacey was available on the bench but ignored, as United drifted towards an embarrassing and avoidable defeat.

Similar patterns of hesitation and poor judgment surfaced in losses to West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Any United manager must be brave.

Amorim too often fell short of that standard, and Fletcher wasted no time in showing what courage on the touchline actually looks like.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .