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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the poor factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, particularly the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, but, is not often so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim departs from a team in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing United as the finest opposition they had played against in a while. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to dispute the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse records—his demise was finally stymied by terrible fortune. Had the absence of crucial stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other important figures, he may still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly stable situation. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful stewardship of this skilled squad should be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Burnley, though, will not roll over. Although having only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been stronger than the outcomes show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to take the game to United who are set to play an XI that has never played together, set up in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.