🔗 Share this article

Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the negative causes. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a lower points average, or managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest side they had faced in a while. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

While it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with even worse track records—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for vital stars not coincided with the absence of other essential figures, he may remain in the job—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid situation. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent management of this gifted squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to take the game to opponents who are expected to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.