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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable failure. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the wrong causes. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a lower points average, nor secured a final position as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he famously secured a place in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, but, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a significantly improved state than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. Their performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hindered by awful fortune. If fitness issues for crucial stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other important individuals, he may still be in the job—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Just sensible husbandry of this skilled squad should be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with having only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been better than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack United who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.