🔗 Share this article

The former manager's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the wrong factors. In the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly the current version of Spurs.

Football, though, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in some time. The football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer records—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. If the absence of vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal figures, he could remain in the role—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a fairly positive situation. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Merely prudent husbandry of this skilled squad is expected to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Burnley, however, won't roll over. Although boasting only twelve points and losing three of their most recent five games, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes show. Boss Parker will certainly have his side revved up to attack the visitors who are set to start an lineup that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.