🔗 Share this article

Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the negative causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of games. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, but, is not often that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a far better condition than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the best team they had faced in some time. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of executives with even worse histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. If injuries to key players not coincided with the loss of other pivotal figures, he could remain in the job—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive scenario. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this skilled roster should be adequate to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not roll over. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have often been better than the results indicate. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to get after United who are likely to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.