🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a significant failure. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the poor reasons. In the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, or managed a standing as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he famously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, though, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the best opposition they had played against in some time. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Although it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse track records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for crucial personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he could remain in the role—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, but, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their displays have often been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are set to play an lineup that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.