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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor managed a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, but, is not often so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a club in a far better condition than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that teammates were praising United as the most impressive team they had played against in a long time. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is tough to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. Had injuries to vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential individuals, he could remain in the role—maybe thriving.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively stable situation. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this talented squad ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Burnley, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their showings have at times been more impressive than the results indicate. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to attack opponents who are expected 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.