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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the negative factors. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor secured a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, though, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, Amorim exits a squad in a far better state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing United as the best team they had played against in some time. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer histories—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by atrocious luck. If injuries to vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other important individuals, he might still be in the position—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly stable state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just sensible management of this gifted roster is expected to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five games, their performances have often been stronger than the outcomes show. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to attack United who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.