The Clarets Take On Manchester United in Pivotal English Top Division Match

Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is remarkable for all the negative factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current version of Tottenham.

Life, but, is rarely that simple. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved position than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising United as the most impressive team they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

While it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about executives with more miserable records—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. If injuries to crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important figures, he may still be in the role—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively positive state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Merely prudent stewardship of this talented squad should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, though, won't be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have often been more impressive than the results indicate. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to get after the visitors who are expected to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.