The Clarets Clash With United in Crucial Premier League Match

The former manager's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, nor achieved a standing as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically the current iteration of the North London club.

Football, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim departs from a team in a much stronger state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the finest opposition they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse histories—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by awful luck. If injuries to crucial personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other important figures, he could remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a fairly stable scenario. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Merely sensible management of this talented group is expected to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Burnley, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five games, their performances have frequently been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to attack opponents who are expected to field an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a system they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.