🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the negative reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding United as the best opposition they had encountered in some time. The play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse records—Amorim's demise was finally hindered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might remain in the role—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive scenario. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Simply sensible husbandry of this gifted group should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

The home side, though, won't roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five outings, their performances have at times been more impressive than the outcomes show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to attack United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.