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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the wrong factors. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Football, though, is seldom that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he exits a team in a much stronger state than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a while. The performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about superiors with more miserable records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for key players not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal members, he might still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this talented squad ought to be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, will not make things easy. Despite having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.