The Clarets Take On Manchester United in Crucial Top-Flight Match

Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the wrong reasons. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a final position as low as 15th in the table. 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 higher percentage of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically the current version of the North London club.

The game, though, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a club in a far better state than that which he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. The play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of superiors with more miserable track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by awful luck. Had the absence of key personnel not coincided with the loss of other pivotal individuals, he could remain in the job—maybe thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly solid state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Simply sensible management of this skilled roster is expected to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their displays have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his team pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are set to field an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.