The Clarets Clash With United in Pivotal Top-Flight Match
The former manager's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the negative factors. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Postecoglou's version of Spurs.
Football, however, is seldom that simple. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, he departs from a team in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive team they had faced in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.
Even though it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his criticism of superiors with poorer records—Amorim's exit was in the end hampered by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal members, he might remain in the job—maybe thriving.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just careful management of this gifted squad is expected to be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
Burnley's Formidable Challenge
Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not roll over. Even with having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have often been better than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after the visitors who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have gone without for over a year.
Match begins: 20:15 GMT.
