🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the negative causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor secured a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Football, but, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a club in a far better state than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in a while. Their play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about executives with even worse track records—Amorim's exit was in the end stymied by awful luck. If fitness issues for vital players not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential individuals, he may still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Simply careful management of this gifted group should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have frequently been better than the scorelines indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his side fired up to attack opponents who are set to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.