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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the wrong factors. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor achieved a league finish as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, though, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a far better state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were praising their opponents as the best team they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is hard to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about executives with poorer track records—his downfall was finally hindered by terrible fortune. If injuries to key personnel not coincided with the absence of other important figures, he might still be in the role—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted squad should be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only twelve points and losing three of their previous five matches, their performances have often been better than the results show. Manager Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack opponents who are set to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.