🔗 Share this article Burnley Take On United in Pivotal Top-Flight Match The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the poor factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club. The game, but, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a club in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. Their football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling. Even though it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about superiors with more miserable track records—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by awful luck. Had the absence of crucial players not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he may remain in the job—perhaps even. Fletcher Takes the Reins Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively solid situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Merely prudent husbandry of this gifted squad ought to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup. The Clarets' Tough Challenge The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Even with having only a dozen points and having lost three of their last five outings, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are expected to field an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for over a year. Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.