🔗 Share this article

Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, or secured a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, but, is rarely so black and white. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a much stronger state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the best team they had faced in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is tough to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer histories—his demise was ultimately hampered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important figures, he could still be in the position—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Just careful stewardship of this talented roster ought to be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

The home side, though, will not be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five outings, their performances have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack the visitors who are likely to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.