🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or managed a standing as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, though, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a team in a much stronger state than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing United as the best opposition they had encountered in a long time. The football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Although it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of superiors with more miserable histories—his downfall was finally stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he may still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a fairly stable scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this talented squad is expected to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only twelve points and losing three of their last five games, their performances have at times been more impressive than the results show. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

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