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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a much stronger position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding United as the finest team they had encountered in some time. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—his demise was in the end stymied by awful luck. If injuries to vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he could remain in the role—perhaps succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Just sensible stewardship of this gifted group should be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, but, will not make things easy. Even with boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their showings have at times been stronger than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.