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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current side of Tottenham.

The game, though, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a far better condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a while. Their play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about bosses with even worse records—his exit was ultimately hampered by terrible luck. Had the absence of crucial personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he might remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Just sensible stewardship of this skilled squad ought to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their previous five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team revved up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.