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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the poor reasons. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, nor achieved a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, however, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a far better state than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had played against in a long time. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to dispute the termination—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hindered by awful luck. Had fitness issues for vital players not happened at the same time as the absence of other important individuals, he might still be in the role—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled group ought to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, will not roll over. Although having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five outings, their displays have at times been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.