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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current iteration of Tottenham.

Football, though, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, he exits a team in a far better position than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest opposition they had faced in a long time. The football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about superiors with even worse track records—his downfall was finally hindered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to vital stars not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the position—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Simply prudent management of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and losing three of their last five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are likely to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.