The Clarets Clash With Manchester United in Key Top-Flight Match
Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the negative reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, or secured a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's side of Spurs.
Football, however, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a team in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were praising United as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.
Although it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was finally hindered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the role—maybe succeeding.
Fresh Start for United
Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly solid scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this gifted roster ought to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.
Burnley's Formidable Challenge
The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Although having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their displays have at times been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team pumped up to attack United who are likely to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have gone without for a year or more.
Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.
