Burnley Take On Manchester United in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture

The former manager's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, or achieved a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly the current version of the North London club.

Life, however, is not often that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he exits a squad in a far better condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the best team they had faced in some time. The football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Although it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. If fitness issues for key players not coincided with the unavailability of other important individuals, he may remain in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful stewardship of this gifted roster is expected to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, though, will not make things easy. Even with having only 12 points and losing three of their last five outings, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.