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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable letdown. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the negative factors. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, though, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a far better position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising United as the best side they had faced in some time. The performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is hard to argue against the termination—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of executives with even worse histories—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hampered by awful fortune. Had the absence of crucial players not coincided with the absence of other essential members, he may remain in the position—possibly even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly positive scenario. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this talented group is expected to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Burnley, however, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.