🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the negative factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or achieved a final position as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, however, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a much stronger state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in a long time. Their performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the termination—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with poorer track records—his demise was finally hindered by awful luck. If fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly stable situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Just prudent stewardship of this talented roster should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their last five outings, their performances have often been more impressive than the results show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to play an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.