Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.
Football, though, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. The football in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.
While it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—his demise was ultimately stymied by awful luck. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential members, he may remain in the job—possibly succeeding.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Just careful husbandry of this gifted roster ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the elite European Cup.
The Clarets' Tough Task
Burnley, however, will not roll over. Even with having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been more impressive than the results suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are expected to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.
Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.
