The Clarets Take On United in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture
Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he famously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Spurs, namely the current version of Tottenham.
Life, though, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a team in a significantly improved position than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.
While it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—his downfall was in the end hampered by awful luck. Had the absence of crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important members, he might still be in the position—maybe thriving.
Fresh Start for United
Therefore, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly positive state of affairs. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Merely prudent stewardship of this gifted group is expected to be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.
Burnley's Tough Challenge
Burnley, though, won't make things easy. Despite having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have frequently been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to get after United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have not used for more than a year.
Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.
