🔗 Share this article

Amorim's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or managed a league finish as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of matches. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, but, is not often so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the best side they had faced in a long time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about superiors with more miserable track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. If injuries to key stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other important members, he may remain in the position—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly stable situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful husbandry of this talented roster is expected to be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

Burnley, though, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only a dozen points and losing 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have at times been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to opponents who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.