The Clarets Clash With United in Pivotal Premier League Fixture

The former manager's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the negative reasons. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, nor managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, 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 larger share of games. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, however, is not often that simple. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a significantly improved state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the finest side they had faced in a while. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of superiors with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by awful fortune. If injuries to crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential individuals, he may still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive situation. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful stewardship of this talented group is expected to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Burnley, but, will not be a pushover. Even with having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their showings have often been stronger than the results suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to attack opponents who are expected to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.