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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, nor secured a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of matches. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Spurs, particularly the current side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a far better state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing United as the best team they had encountered in a long time. The play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—his exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious luck. Had injuries to vital stars not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he may remain in the position—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid situation. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Merely careful husbandry of this gifted roster ought to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Burnley, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have often been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are set to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.