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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, or achieved a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Spurs, namely the current side of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of executives with more miserable histories—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other important members, he could still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher takes over a fairly solid situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Just sensible husbandry of this gifted squad 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 Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their performances have at times been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to the visitors who are set to field an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.