🔗 Share this article

Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. Their play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about executives with poorer histories—Amorim's demise was in the end hampered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential members, he could remain in the position—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Simply sensible husbandry of this skilled roster is expected to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side revved up to get after opponents who are likely to start an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.