The Clarets Clash With Man United in Crucial English Top Division Match
Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.
The game, though, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the best side they had encountered in a while. Their football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.
While it is hard to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer histories—his demise was ultimately hindered by awful luck. Had the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other important members, he might remain in the position—perhaps thriving.
A New Era Begins
Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively solid state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible management of this talented squad ought to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
Burnley's Tough Task
Burnley, but, will not be a pushover. Even with boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their displays have often been better than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to attack the visitors who are expected to play an lineup that has never played together, set up in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.
Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.
