🔗 Share this article Burnley Take On United in Crucial Top-Flight Fixture Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the poor factors. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, or achieved a standing as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club. The game, however, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising their opponents as the best side they had played against in a while. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting. While it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's downfall was finally hampered by terrible fortune. If the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other pivotal figures, he may still be in the role—maybe thriving. Fletcher Takes the Reins Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent stewardship of this skilled squad ought to be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League. Burnley's Formidable Challenge The home side, though, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their performances have frequently been stronger than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are likely to field an XI that has never played together, arranged in a system they have gone without for over a year. Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.