🔗 Share this article

Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. By any measure, his results stands out for all the poor causes. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, or managed a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, however, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a much stronger position than the one he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in some time. The performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable track records—his demise was in the end hampered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for key players not coincided with the loss of other pivotal members, he might still be in the role—perhaps succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Merely careful stewardship of this talented roster ought to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, but, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their showings have often been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Parker will surely have his side revved up to get after United who are set to start an lineup that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.