The Clarets Take On Man United in Crucial Premier League Fixture

The former manager's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the wrong causes. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or managed a league finish as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a team in a far better condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had faced in a long time. The performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer records—Amorim's exit was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. If the absence of crucial players not coincided with the unavailability of other important figures, he might still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely sensible management 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.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five matches, their performances have often been better than the scorelines indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

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