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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the wrong causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or secured a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, but, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in a long time. The performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of bosses with even worse records—his demise was ultimately hampered by terrible fortune. If injuries to crucial stars not coincided with the unavailability of other important individuals, he might remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly stable situation. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent stewardship of this gifted roster is expected to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

The home side, however, won't roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their performances have often been better than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to get after opponents who are likely to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.