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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the negative reasons. In the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, or managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of Spurs.

The game, but, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest opposition they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

While it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about executives with more miserable histories—his exit was in the end stymied by awful luck. Had injuries to key stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important figures, he may still be in the job—possibly even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly positive scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just careful management of this skilled squad ought to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their previous five outings, their displays have frequently been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to attack United who are likely to field an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.