🔗 Share this article

Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, nor managed a standing as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current side of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a significantly improved state than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in some time. The football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by terrible fortune. Had injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the role—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a relatively stable state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely prudent husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Burnley, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their performances have at times been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to attack the visitors who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.