Burnley Take On Man United in Crucial Premier League Fixture

The former manager's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a final position as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, though, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a club in a much stronger condition than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best side they had encountered in some time. The play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by terrible luck. Had the absence of key personnel not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential members, he may still be in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a fairly 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 rejoin from the Afcon. Just sensible stewardship of this talented squad ought to be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the following term—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five games, their performances have often been better than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after the visitors who are set to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.