Burnley Clash With Man United in Key Top-Flight Encounter
Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the poor causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or managed a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely the current side of Tottenham.
The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the finest team they had played against in a long time. The football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.
While it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was finally hindered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he may remain in the role—perhaps thriving.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Consequently, Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive situation. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Simply careful management of this gifted group should be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.
Burnley's Tough Task
Burnley, however, will not roll over. Even with having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their performances have often been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side revved up to attack the visitors who are set to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have not used for more than a year.
Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.
