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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current version of Tottenham.

Football, but, is rarely so black and white. Despite the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest team they had played against in a while. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Although it is tough to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of superiors with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key players not occurred alongside the loss of other important figures, he could remain in the role—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, however, will not be a pushover. Although having only twelve points and having lost three of their last five outings, their showings have often been stronger than the results indicate. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to attack opponents who are expected to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.