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Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current iteration of Spurs.

Life, but, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a far better condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the finest team they had played against in a while. The play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Although it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about superiors with poorer track records—his exit was ultimately hindered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive situation. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Merely prudent husbandry of this skilled group ought to be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't roll over. Although having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their last five games, their performances have frequently been better than the outcomes show. Head coach Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to start an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.