Burnley Take On Man United in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture
Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. In the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current iteration of Spurs.
Life, though, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising United as the finest side they had played against in some time. The performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.
Even though it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was finally hindered by awful luck. If the absence of key players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other pivotal members, he may still be in the role—perhaps thriving.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Therefore, Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable scenario. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Just prudent stewardship of this talented group ought to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
The Clarets' Formidable Challenge
Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five matches, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to get after the visitors who are set to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.
Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.
