🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the poor factors. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor secured a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely the current version of Tottenham.

The game, but, is not often that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a squad in a far better state than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hindered by awful luck. If fitness issues for key stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he might remain in the role—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Simply prudent stewardship of this talented squad should be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five outings, their showings have at times been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Boss Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to attack opponents who are likely to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.