Darren Fletcher reveals his message to Man Utd striker Benjamin Šeško before he struck twice at Burnley

Darren Fletcher made it clear what mattered most after Manchester United’s 2-2 draw away at Burnley: Benjamin Šeško’s breakthrough night. The interim head coach singled out the young striker after the final whistle, revealing the personal message he delivered earlier in the week that helped spark a long-awaited response.

United were forced to settle for a point at Turf Moor, but the result was almost secondary to the sight of Šeško finally finding his scoring touch. The 22-year-old netted twice in the second half, doubling his total for the season in one evening, before Jaidon Anthony’s stunning strike ensured Burnley claimed a share of the points.

For Fletcher, who was taking charge of his first match as interim boss following Rúben Amorim’s dismissal, the focus was firmly on what Šeško’s display could mean for the club moving forward.

A difficult season finally turns a corner

Šeško arrived at Old Trafford in the summer with a £74 million price tag after impressing at RB Leipzig, but life in England has not been straightforward. Clear-cut chances had gone begging in recent draws against Wolves and Leeds, adding to the pressure on a striker still adjusting to the Premier League.

Those struggles had seen his confidence tested, and his goal return across Amorim’s five-month spell reflected that. Remarkably, Šeško matched his entire tally from that period in just one night at Burnley.

The first half followed a familiar pattern, with the forward unable to convert opportunities as United laboured in front of goal. But after the break, the change was obvious. His movement sharpened, his finishing improved, and the goals followed.

Fletcher’s one-on-one intervention

Fletcher revealed that Šeško’s response did not happen by chance. The Scot explained that he sat down with the striker earlier in the week, shortly after stepping into the role following Amorim’s departure.

“The biggest positive of the night was his two goals and hopefully that is good for Manchester United’s future,” Fletcher said. “He was fantastic. He led the line really well. He could have had a hat-trick, but it was a real positive night for him.”

Fletcher went on to detail the conversation that helped refocus the striker. He showed Šeško video clips of his own movement, highlighting where chances would come if he stayed patient and continued to make the right runs.

“I sat down with him yesterday and showed him videos of his movement and how opportunities are going to come,” Fletcher explained. “He has to just keep believing and keep making runs.

“The rest of the team need to look for him as well. Like with all strikers, once you hit the back of the net, your confidence starts building.”

Goals built on movement and trust

Both of Šeško’s goals were examples of exactly what Fletcher had been talking about. The equaliser arrived five minutes after the restart, with Bruno Fernandes threading a superb through-ball into his path. Šeško’s angled finish showed composure that had been missing in recent weeks.

The second goal followed soon after, this time from Patrick Dorgu’s precise delivery. Šeško timed his run perfectly and guided the ball home, underlining the value of intelligent movement rather than forcing the issue.

Fernandes, returning from injury after missing four games, played a key role throughout. Back in his favoured No 10 position, the United captain looked determined to supply the striker at every opportunity before being withdrawn on the hour to manage his workload.

Šeško opens up after the match

After the final whistle, Šeško admitted the relief he felt at finally delivering in front of goal. His words reflected both the frustration of the past weeks and the belief that better days can follow.

“It’s been tough but now I finally did it,” he said. “This is the most important for me and now it’s just up to me and up to us to keep going like that.

“I think the goal happens with the movements. This was really important too because I know I have great players beside me, it’s just up to me to make good movement at the right time.”

Mixed night for Fletcher and United

While Šeško’s display offered encouragement, the draw meant Fletcher missed out on a winning start that other former United players turned caretakers have enjoyed. Ryan Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Michael Carrick and Ruud van Nistelrooy all won their first matches in charge.

There were positives elsewhere, with Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire all returning to the squad. Their availability meant Tyler Fletcher did not make the bench, although his twin brother Jack was named among the substitutes but remained unused.

In the end, Fletcher accepted the result but left Burnley pointing to Šeško’s performance as the key takeaway. For a striker who has carried a heavy burden since his arrival, the message was simple: trust the process, keep moving, and the goals will come.