🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a lower points average, or achieved a standing as low as the 15th spot. 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 higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, though, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a far better position than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the best side they had encountered in a while. The play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his comments about executives with even worse track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he might remain in the role—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Simply sensible stewardship of this gifted roster is expected to be adequate to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Despite having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his side pumped up to attack the visitors who are likely to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.