Ruben Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the poor factors. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor managed a league finish as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically the current side of the North London club.
Football, but, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim exits a club in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the finest team they had encountered in a long time. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.
Although it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable track records—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he may remain in the role—maybe succeeding.
As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively positive state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled squad ought to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious Champions League.
Burnley, however, will not roll over. Even with having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his side pumped up to attack United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have gone without for a year or more.
Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.
