The Clarets Take On United in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture
Amorim's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant letdown. By any measure, his record stands out for all the poor causes. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, nor managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.
Football, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a far better state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a while. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.
Even though it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable track records—his downfall was ultimately hindered by awful luck. If injuries to vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may remain in the job—perhaps even.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely sensible husbandry of this talented roster is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.
The Clarets' Formidable Test
The home side, but, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only twelve points and losing three of their last five games, their performances have at times been better than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to get after the visitors who are expected to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.
Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.
