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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor secured a league finish as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, 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 games. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of Tottenham.

Life, however, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a far better condition than the one he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising United as the most impressive team they had faced in a while. Their play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of executives with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by awful fortune. If injuries to key personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he may remain in the role—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly solid situation. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just sensible management of this talented roster ought to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, but, will not make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and losing three of their most recent five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the results indicate. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after United who are set to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.