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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a major letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or managed a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, he exits a club in a much stronger state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the finest opposition they had played against in a long time. The play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—his demise was finally stymied by awful fortune. If fitness issues for crucial stars not coincided with the absence of other essential figures, he may remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely careful management of this skilled group is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Despite boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their performances have often been stronger than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have not used for over a year.

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