🔗 Share this article

Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor factors. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor achieved a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing United as the best opposition they had faced in a while. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse histories—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. Had the absence of key stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important individuals, he may still be in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a fairly positive state of affairs. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just sensible stewardship of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and losing three of their previous five outings, their displays have at times been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to get after opponents who are likely to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.