The Clarets Clash With United in Key Top-Flight Fixture
Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative causes. During the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a lower points average, or managed a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he famously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.
Life, but, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a far better condition than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best team they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.
While it is hard to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be caused by his criticism of superiors with poorer histories—his exit was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial stars not coincided with the loss of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the role—maybe even.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent stewardship of this talented squad should be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.
The Clarets' Tough Test
Burnley, however, will not roll over. Although boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their last five games, their displays have often been better than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to attack the visitors who are likely to play an XI that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.
Start time: 20:15 GMT.
