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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. By any measure, his results stands out for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or secured a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Life, however, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a far better position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. Their football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

While it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his comments about executives with poorer histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately hampered by atrocious luck. If the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he might still be in the role—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively positive scenario. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent management of this skilled group is expected to be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and losing three of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to get after United who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.