🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is not often that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the finest team they had faced in some time. The performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—his downfall was ultimately hampered by terrible fortune. Had injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal figures, he might remain in the position—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively positive situation. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this talented roster ought to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, but, won't be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five outings, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to get after opponents who are set to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.