Burnley Face Off Against United in Pivotal Top-Flight Match
Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the negative reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, nor managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.
Life, but, is seldom that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a far better position than the one he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the best team they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.
Even though it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse records—Amorim's exit was finally hampered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to vital stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he might still be in the position—perhaps thriving.
Fresh Start for United
Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Merely careful management of this talented roster ought to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the coveted Champions League.
The Clarets' Formidable Task
The home side, though, won't make things easy. Even with having only 12 points and losing three of their previous five games, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after the visitors who are set to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have been denied for over a year.
Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.
