Burnley Take On Man United in Crucial Premier League Match

The former manager's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the negative causes. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor managed a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, particularly the current iteration of Tottenham.

Football, however, is not often that simple. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a far better state than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the best team they had played against in some time. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Although it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about executives with poorer histories—Amorim's exit was finally hampered by terrible luck. If injuries to key players not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he may remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted group should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and losing three of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been better than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to attack United who are likely to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.