Burnley Face Off Against United in Key Top-Flight Fixture
The former manager's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the negative reasons. In the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, 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 games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.
Life, however, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in some time. Their play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.
Even though it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—his exit was in the end hampered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to vital players not coincided with the loss of other important members, he may still be in the position—perhaps thriving.
A New Era Begins
Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly positive situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely sensible stewardship of this skilled roster should be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.
The Clarets' Formidable Test
The home side, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and losing three of their last five outings, their showings have frequently been better than the results suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his squad revved up to take the game to opponents who are likely to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have not used for more than a year.
Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.
