🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the negative factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current version of Spurs.

Football, though, is not often so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had faced in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Although it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about bosses with more miserable records—his downfall was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal members, he might remain in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively positive situation. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just careful husbandry of this talented squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Manager Parker will surely have his team fired up to get after opponents who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.