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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, or managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, but, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a much stronger position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the finest side they had faced in a long time. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about bosses with poorer records—Amorim's exit was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had the absence of vital personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important individuals, he could still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly stable state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this talented group should be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Although boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their most recent five matches, their showings have at times been better than the outcomes suggest. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to attack United who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.