Burnley Clash With United in Crucial English Top Division Fixture
The former manager's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, or secured a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current iteration of Tottenham.
Football, however, is not often so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest team they had played against in a long time. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.
Even though it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's exit was in the end stymied by awful fortune. Had injuries to vital stars not coincided with the loss of other important individuals, he may still be in the role—perhaps thriving.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively solid scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this talented squad ought to be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
The Clarets' Formidable Challenge
Burnley, but, will not roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five outings, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes indicate. Boss Parker will surely have his side revved up to take the game to opponents who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.
Match begins: 20:15 GMT.
