🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the negative causes. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or managed a standing as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, but, is rarely that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a much stronger state than the one he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the finest team they had faced in some time. Their play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Although it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about superiors with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to vital stars not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he might remain in the job—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively positive situation. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent stewardship of this gifted roster should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, but, won't roll over. Even with having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their previous five matches, their performances have frequently been better than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to get after the visitors who are set to play an lineup that has never played together, set up in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.