🔗 Share this article

The former manager's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or managed a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, but, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, he departs from a squad in a far better condition than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had faced in a while. The performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse track records—Amorim's exit was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to key players not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the position—perhaps succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly stable scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Just sensible stewardship of this talented group ought to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, however, are unlikely to roll over. Even with having only 12 points and losing three of their previous five matches, their performances have frequently been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to get after opponents who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.