🔗 Share this article

Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, nor secured a standing as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, however, is not often so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had played against in a while. Their play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable histories—his exit was finally stymied by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for vital players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential individuals, he might still be in the job—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid scenario. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent management of this gifted roster should be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not make things easy. Although boasting only a dozen points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their performances have often been better than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to take the game to opponents who are likely to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.