Burnley Take On Man United in Key Top-Flight Encounter
Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the negative reasons. In the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of games. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's side of Spurs.
Life, but, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the best team they had encountered in a while. The performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.
Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about bosses with more miserable track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hampered by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for vital players not happened at the same time as the loss of other important individuals, he may still be in the role—possibly even.
A New Era Begins
Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable scenario. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted roster should be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious Champions League.
The Clarets' Formidable Test
Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not roll over. Even with boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been better than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack opponents who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.
Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.
