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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor secured a standing as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically the current side of Tottenham.

The game, though, is not often that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, Amorim exits a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the finest team they had played against in a while. Their play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable track records—his exit was in the end hampered by terrible fortune. Had injuries to key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential individuals, he could still be in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a fairly stable state of affairs. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this talented roster ought to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

The home side, but, won't make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five matches, their showings have often been better than the outcomes indicate. Boss Parker will surely have his squad fired up to get after United who are set to field an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.