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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is remarkable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, or achieved a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically the current side of the North London club.

Football, though, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a while. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about superiors with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was finally stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other essential individuals, he could still be in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted squad ought to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Burnley, but, will not roll over. Although boasting only 12 points and losing 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Manager Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to attack the visitors who are set to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.