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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the negative causes. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely the current version of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom that simple. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a team in a far better state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had faced in some time. Their football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

While it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about superiors with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential individuals, he could remain in the job—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Merely careful management of this talented roster is expected to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

The home side, but, won't make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their performances have often been better than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team pumped up to attack opponents who are likely to field an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.