🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, or managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a team in a significantly improved state than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Although it is hard to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable track records—his downfall was in the end hindered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other essential individuals, he might still be in the job—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Merely sensible management of this gifted roster is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Although having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their displays have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his side fired up to get after United who are expected to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.