Burnley Face Off Against United in Key English Top Division Fixture

Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the poor factors. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a squad in a far better state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best opposition they had played against in a while. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is hard to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about executives with more miserable records—his downfall was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other essential figures, he may remain in the role—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly stable scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Simply prudent management of this gifted roster is expected to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't roll over. Even with having only 12 points and having lost three of their last five games, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.