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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the negative causes. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a final position as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current version of the North London club.

Life, but, is not often that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim departs from a team in a far better state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the best opposition they had encountered in a while. The performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to dispute the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. Had the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other important members, he could remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively solid scenario. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Merely careful husbandry of this skilled group ought to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their displays have frequently been better than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack opponents who are expected to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.