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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly the current side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a team in a far better condition than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

While it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse records—his exit was ultimately hindered by atrocious luck. Had the absence of key stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential members, he may still be in the position—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive state of affairs. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent management of this skilled squad should be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

Burnley, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been better than the results indicate. Boss Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are set to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.