The Clarets Take On United in Crucial Top-Flight Encounter
Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable failure. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a league finish as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.
Life, however, is seldom that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a team in a much stronger state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive team they had faced in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.
Even though it is hard to dispute the termination—particularly given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—his demise was finally hampered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important figures, he might remain in the job—possibly thriving.
Fresh Start for United
Therefore, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful husbandry of this talented roster should be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.
The Clarets' Formidable Challenge
The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five outings, their displays have often been better than the outcomes show. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team revved up to attack United who are likely to play an XI that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.
Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.
