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Ruben Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, or managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a much stronger state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising their opponents as the best team they had played against in some time. The play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of superiors with more miserable records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to vital players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential individuals, he may remain in the job—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly solid scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible stewardship of this skilled roster is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—probably in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the outcomes show. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after opponents who are expected to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.