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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the negative factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, but, is seldom that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim departs from a team in a far better condition than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Although it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's demise was ultimately hampered by awful luck. If fitness issues for key players not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential individuals, he could remain in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Merely careful husbandry of this talented squad is expected to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Test

The home side, but, won't be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their displays have frequently been better than the outcomes show. Boss Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack opponents who are set to play an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.