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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the negative causes. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a league finish as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he famously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, however, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had faced in a while. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Although it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of superiors with poorer track records—his exit was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. If injuries to key players not occurred alongside the absence of other important members, he could remain in the position—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively solid state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Despite having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their showings have often been more impressive than the outcomes show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to take the game to United who are expected to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.