Almost the perfect script for Fletcher

I guess it's one of the reasons why we are so intoxicated and obsessed by the game.

On a bitterly cold night in Burnley, Darren Fletcher took charge of the Reds and walked out alongside Jonny Evans, who is helping coach the side, along with Travis Binnion and Alan Wright.

The two former United stars, for me, epitomise everything about the club and few would be better placed than them in recognising the responsibility of leading this great institution.

The Premier League in 2026 is very different to the one that launched in 1992 but these men represent the core values that United value, from way back to a bygone era.

Fletcher spoke articulately and passionately, as always, about the importance of wearing the badge with pride and expressing themselves at every given opportunity.

Yet things did not go our way as the hosts lifted a muted, agitated crowd when Bashir Humphreys profited from an untracked run and saw his cross deflect in off Ayden Heaven. It was a blow and suggested this would not be a repeat of previous wins for caretaker bosses.

Fletcher refused to panic, naturally, although there was consternation, particularly from Evans, when an equaliser by Lisandro Martinez was ruled out for a prior foul by the Argentinian on Kyle Walker.

Burnley's goal lived a charmed life at times, with ex-Reds loanee Martin Dubravka making a top-class save to deny Bejamin Sesko, and two goalline clearances highlighting the relegation-haunted Clarets' hunger.

The interim head coach looked pensive but focused when re-emerging for the second period and his half-time team talk clearly worked. It was not long before his name was being chanted again by the traveling supporters, after Bruno Fernandes brilliantly set up Sesko's leveller.

The away end had also sung the songs reserved for Ole Gunnar Solskajer and Michael Carrick, in response to the latest speculation in the media, highlighting their affection and backing for the former players.

Sesko edged us in front with a goal of real quality, expertly tucking home Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu's inviting cross, and the confidence started to flow again throughout the team.

Yet, as I said, football has a habit of being unpredictable and Jaidon Anthony was allowed to bend past Lammens to make it 2-2, with plenty of time still on the clock.

On 73 minutes, Fletcher rollled the dice and brought on both Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua ZIrkzee for Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. It was a move clearly designed to search for a winner and provide a different blend going forwards.

It was a contest that demanded a barnstorming finish and one was almost provided.

The decision to throw exciting teenager Shea Lacey on for the final seven minutes or so was welcomed and the roar of anticipation for his first touch surely helped carry him forwards to curl an incredible shot against the bar.

It could have been a truly magical moment and generated a round of applause from Fletcher, and a heightened sense of urgency. The decision to gamble on the youngster merited a similar response.

Implored to attack by the Red Army, the late Fergie-time winner never came and, although Lacey chanced his arm again from distance, you were left thinking that, if football could be scripted, the outcome would have been him grabbing the winner and a precocious Academy prospect could have been the hero.

So, a draw for Fletcher and only a point from the trip to Turf Moor, yet there is obvious cause for optimism. The return of the injured players, including the massively influential Fernandes, has got to bode well. Lacey looks a talent and the echoes of 'we love United' after the final whistle told you what the overriding emotion will always be.

It's Brighton & Hove Albion in the Emirates FA Cup third round next, always a special date in the calendar. What awaits? Who knows? Maybe that is the beauty of it all.

The opinions in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United Football Club.