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Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a major failure. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Life, but, is not often that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a far better position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising United as the best opposition they had played against in some time. Their play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is tough to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse track records—his demise was finally hampered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other essential members, he may remain in the position—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable scenario. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Just careful management of this gifted roster is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Burnley, but, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and losing three of their most recent five games, their showings have at times been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to get after opponents who are set to play an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.