🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant letdown. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the wrong factors. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor achieved a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly the current version of Spurs.

Life, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim departs from a club in a far better state than the one he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the best team they had encountered in a while. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse track records—his demise was finally stymied by terrible luck. If the absence of vital stars not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal figures, he could remain in the job—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Merely careful stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five outings, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to attack opponents who are set to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.