The Clarets Clash With Man United in Key Top-Flight Encounter
The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the negative reasons. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.
Football, though, is not often so black and white. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a team in a far better condition than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were praising their opponents as the best team they had encountered in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.
Although it is tough to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—Amorim's demise was in the end hindered by awful fortune. Had injuries to vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal figures, he might remain in the role—maybe thriving.
A New Era Begins
Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just sensible husbandry of this talented roster ought to be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted European Cup.
Burnley's Daunting Task
The home side, but, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their showings have often been more impressive than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after United who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, deployed in a system they have not used for a year or more.
Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.
