🔗 Share this article

Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or managed a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he famously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a much stronger condition than that which he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the best team they had faced in a while. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

While it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse records—Amorim's exit was finally hampered by terrible luck. If the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential individuals, he might remain in the position—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly positive scenario. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this talented roster should be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, though, won't roll over. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their performances have often been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to take the game to United who are expected to start an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.