🔗 Share this article

Amorim's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the negative causes. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, however, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a far better condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest team they had faced in a while. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer records—his exit was in the end hindered by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of key stars not coincided with the unavailability of other important members, he may still be in the job—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher steps into a relatively positive scenario. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Simply prudent management of this skilled squad ought to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

The home side, but, won't be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing three of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after United who are likely to start an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.