Burnley Clash With United in Pivotal Top-Flight Fixture
The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable failure. By any measure, his record is notable for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or achieved a final position as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.
The game, though, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were praising United as the finest team they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.
While it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with even worse records—his exit was in the end stymied by terrible luck. If the absence of crucial stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he could remain in the role—possibly even.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible stewardship of this skilled roster ought to be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the prestigious Champions League.
The Clarets' Tough Test
The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have often been stronger than the results suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are expected to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.
Match begins: 20:15 GMT.
