The Clarets Face Off Against Manchester United in Crucial Top-Flight Match
Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, or managed a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.
Life, however, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a squad in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising United as the best opposition they had encountered in some time. The performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.
While it is hard to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by awful luck. Had injuries to crucial players not occurred alongside the loss of other important members, he could still be in the position—possibly thriving.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
As a result, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled roster should be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.
Burnley's Tough Challenge
The home side, however, won't make things easy. Although having only 12 points and losing 3 of their last five outings, their showings have frequently been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to get after United who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.
Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.
