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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the wrong factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, nor achieved a league finish as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in a while. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of superiors with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was finally hindered by atrocious fortune. If the absence of vital players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal members, he could still be in the position—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Although having only twelve points and having lost three of their most recent five matches, their displays have often been better than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.