🔗 Share this article The Clarets Face Off Against Manchester United in Crucial Top-Flight Encounter The former manager's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, or secured a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he famously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Spurs, particularly the current iteration of the North London club. Life, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. The play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting. Even though it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable track records—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for crucial players not coincided with the unavailability of other essential figures, he could remain in the position—perhaps thriving. A New Era Begins As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this talented group ought to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the elite Champions League. The Clarets' Daunting Challenge Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are likely to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have not used for over a year. Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.