The Clarets Clash With United in Key Premier League Encounter
The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, or secured a final position as low as the 15th spot. 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 higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, particularly the current iteration of Spurs.
The game, but, is not often that simple. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a club in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had faced in a while. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.
Even though it is hard to argue against the termination—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer track records—his demise was in the end hampered by awful fortune. If the absence of key players not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the job—perhaps even.
A New Era Begins
Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Simply prudent husbandry of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.
The Clarets' Tough Test
The home side, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an XI that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.
Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.
