The Clarets Clash With United in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture

Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the negative factors. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor managed a final position as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Spurs, specifically the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, but, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, he leaves behind a squad in a much stronger state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other important members, he could still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly stable situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled group ought to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, though, won't make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their displays have at times been better than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to United who are expected to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.