🔗 Share this article

The former manager's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. In the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, nor managed a standing as poor as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of games. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely the current side of Tottenham.

Life, though, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a far better position than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive team they had played against in some time. Their play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable histories—his demise was finally hindered by awful luck. If fitness issues for crucial personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he might still be in the role—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid scenario. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible management of this gifted roster is expected to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and losing 3 of their last five outings, their performances have frequently been better than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to get after the visitors who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.