🔗 Share this article

Amorim's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly the current version of Spurs.

Life, but, is seldom that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim departs from a team in a much stronger position than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the finest opposition they had faced in a long time. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable histories—his exit was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for key players not coincided with the absence of other essential figures, he may remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent husbandry of this gifted roster ought to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Burnley, however, will not be a pushover. Even with boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been better than the results suggest. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to attack opponents who are expected to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.