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Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his record is notable for all the poor causes. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Spurs, specifically the current side of Tottenham.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a far better state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the finest opposition they had faced in some time. The football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was in the end stymied by terrible luck. If injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential individuals, he may remain in the job—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply sensible stewardship of this gifted roster ought to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

The home side, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Although having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five matches, their showings have at times been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side fired up to attack United who are likely to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.