Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. By any measure, his record stands out for all the poor reasons. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.
The game, however, is not often so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a team in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding United as the best team they had played against in a while. Their performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.
Although it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by atrocious luck. If injuries to vital personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he may remain in the role—perhaps succeeding.
A New Era Begins
Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Just prudent husbandry of this talented squad is expected to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the coveted Champions League.
The Clarets' Daunting Task
The home side, though, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and losing three of their last five games, their performances have frequently been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are set to start an lineup that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.
Match begins: 20:15 GMT.
