🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor achieved a final position as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. Their play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about executives with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was ultimately hampered by awful luck. Had the absence of vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential members, he might still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a fairly stable scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply sensible husbandry of this talented roster should be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, however, won't roll over. Even with having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to take the game to United who are likely to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.