Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the poor causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor managed a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, specifically the current side of Spurs.
Life, but, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the best side they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.
Even though it is tough to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of superiors with even worse track records—Amorim's exit was finally stymied by awful luck. If injuries to vital personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal members, he could still be in the position—maybe succeeding.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly positive situation. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the prestigious Champions League.
Burnley's Daunting Challenge
Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Even with having only a dozen points and losing three of their previous five outings, their performances have at times been better than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team pumped up to get after the visitors who are likely to start an lineup that has never played together, set up in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.
Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.
