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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the negative causes. In the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, nor achieved a league finish as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit 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 United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically the current iteration of Tottenham.

Life, but, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest team they had played against in a while. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hindered by awful luck. If injuries to key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other essential members, he may still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just sensible husbandry of this gifted roster is expected to be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Burnley, but, will not make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and having lost three of their last five matches, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to attack opponents who are likely to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.