🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his record stands out for all the poor reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or managed a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, however, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a far better condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—his downfall was finally hampered by awful luck. Had fitness issues for key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important individuals, he could still be in the position—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this skilled roster should be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

The home side, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their displays have at times been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to attack opponents who are set to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.