Fletcher’s First Game: Sesko Brace Wasted in Frustrating Draw
Lineup Revealed and First Impressions
So it was Fletcher’s first game in charge and we finally got some answers on the lineup. It was indeed a back four. We had Shaw at left back, a center back partnership of Ayden Heaven and Martinez, and Dalot on the right.
The midfield three was interesting. Casemiro, Ugarte, and Bruno playing in that CAM position where he thrives. Up top, we started with Cunha on the left, Dorgu on the right, and Sesko through the middle. It was also great to see Mainoo, Maguire, and Mount back in the squad on the bench. You love to see that depth returning.
However, once the whistle blew, things got confusing. Cunha seemed to be operating on the right while Dorgu was out on the left. The passing angles from Dorgu to the striker were interesting, but the start was shaky.
Early Struggles and the Costly Mistake
In those first five minutes, I felt we were struggling. Changing from a back three to a back four didn’t look bad, but the patterns felt different. We were building possession more, but it felt disjointed. One thing stood out immediately. Casemiro in that midfield three felt slow.
Then disaster struck. Casemiro was sleeping and got caught on the ball. United got unlucky after that. Ayden Heaven tried to block it, but the deflection went straight inside our own goal. An own goal for the youngster. We were under pressure immediately. I think this should be a clear signal to the board that we need a new signing for midfield. We cannot rely on legs that are gone.
Ugarte, to his credit, carried the ball really well from midfield. He found Dorgu in dangerous positions, but Dorgu didn’t do much with it initially. Sesko looked off too. He wasn’t making good runs. Cunha, who ended up on the right, barely got a touch of the ball.
Frustration Before the Break
At 1-0 down, we hadn’t created a single good chance. Bruno put in a cross, but Sesko sent a soft header straight to the goalkeeper’s hands. Usually, in the first half, we average about 6 to 8 shots. By the 25th minute, we had just one shot. It was poor.
We did have a moment of hope. Bruno played a good dinked free kick to Casemiro, who headed it deep. Cunha headed it to the far post, but it was cleared off the goal line. From the resulting corner, Martinez somehow scored, but it was ruled out. Apparently Walker got fouled. Fletcher could not believe it. I couldn’t believe how easily Walker went down.
We had only 3 shots in 30 minutes. Teams around us are dropping points, and it would be so like us to drop points as well. Whenever there is a chance to move up the table, we stumble.
Second Half Response and Sesko’s Brace
The second half started and the mood changed completely. We racked up 12 shots quickly, 4 on target, with almost 70 percent possession. That filled me with confidence.
Then came the breakthrough in the 50th minute. Sesko made a beautiful run. Bruno found him with a pinpoint pass that caught his run perfectly. It was a beautiful finish by Sesko. 1-1.
Ten minutes later, Sesko did it again. Another great finish with sharp movement. This time it was Dorgu with a brilliant cross to set him up. We were flying.
But Burnley scored an amazing goal that Lammens couldn’t save. It was a finesse shot, but I have to say, Martinez and especially Shaw could have done better to block it. Just like that, it was 2-2.
Fletcher decided to go for it and put on attacking subs. Zirkzee came on for Cunha, and Mainoo replaced Casemiro.
Late Push, Big Chance, and a Disappointing Result
With 15 minutes left, we wasted about 5 minutes doing nothing special. We really needed to win this game. We have City and Arsenal next. Realistically, that could be 0 points, so dropping points here isn’t good.
Sesko had another shot on target from another Dorgu cross, but it wouldn’t go in. In the 83rd minute, Fletcher went all out. He subbed off Ugarte for young Lacey. We were playing with a one man midfield, maybe two with Mount and Mainoo.
Then came the moment. Lacey cut inside and unleashed a finesse shot. It beat the keeper but hit the crossbar. What an effort from the kid.
Five minutes left, still 2-2. And that is how it ended. Points shared. A draw. We dominated the stats in the end but couldn’t kill it.
Now, we wait and see who the manager is for the Brighton FA Cup game.
UNITED SCRIPTED. 
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