Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.
Life, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.
While it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his demise was ultimately hindered by awful fortune. If injuries to key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other essential members, he may still be in the position—maybe succeeding.
Fletcher Takes the Reins
As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Just careful management of this talented group ought to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.
The Clarets' Tough Test
Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their last five matches, their performances have frequently been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to get after opponents who are likely to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have been denied for over a year.
Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.
