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Amorim's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, however, is not often so black and white. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a team in a significantly improved state than the one he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the best team they had faced in a while. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Although it is hard to argue against the termination—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of superiors with even worse track records—his exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. If the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he could remain in the job—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly stable scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent stewardship of this talented group is expected to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their last five outings, their performances have often been better than the scorelines show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to take the game to opponents who are set to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.