🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong causes. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, or secured a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely the current side of the North London club.

Life, though, is not often so straightforward. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive side they had encountered in some time. The football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by awful fortune. Had injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he could remain in the job—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a fairly positive situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just sensible husbandry of this talented group should be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, but, will not be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their performances have often been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after United who are expected to field an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.