The Clarets Take On Manchester United in Key Premier League Fixture

The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, however, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a club in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in a while. The performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the termination—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about executives with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential figures, he could remain in the role—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful husbandry of this talented roster is expected to be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their performances have often been better than the results suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to attack opponents who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.