The Clarets Take On Manchester United in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture

Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, or secured a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current side of Tottenham.

Life, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, he departs from a club in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that teammates were praising their opponents as the best side they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about executives with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by awful fortune. If injuries to vital stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal members, he could remain in the role—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a fairly stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful husbandry of this talented roster should be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

The home side, however, will not make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and losing three of their last five outings, their displays have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Head coach Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after United who are likely to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.