🔗 Share this article

Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the poor causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom that simple. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim departs from a club 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 their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in a long time. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

While it is tough to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about executives with poorer records—his demise was in the end hampered by atrocious luck. If injuries to vital personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the job—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively solid situation. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely sensible stewardship of this gifted roster is expected to be adequate to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Although having only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to attack the visitors who are likely to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.