🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a club in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest opposition they had encountered in a while. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse records—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he may remain in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly positive state of affairs. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Burnley, however, will not roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five outings, their showings have at times been more impressive than the results suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to get after United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a setup they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.