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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the poor reasons. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or secured a final position as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, but, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the most impressive team they had encountered in a long time. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was said to be caused by his comments about superiors with poorer track records—his downfall was ultimately hampered by terrible fortune. If injuries to vital stars not coincided with the loss of other important individuals, he could remain in the job—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly stable scenario. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful management of this talented roster should be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Boss Parker will surely have his team pumped up to take the game to United who are set to field an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.