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Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or achieved a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly the current iteration of the North London club.

Football, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a team in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were praising their opponents as the best side they had faced in some time. The performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of superiors with more miserable records—his exit was in the end stymied by awful fortune. If the absence of key stars not coincided with the absence of other pivotal figures, he may remain in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly positive scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Merely sensible management of this talented squad ought to be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Burnley, however, won't make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five outings, their showings have often been better than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his team pumped up to attack United who are expected to play an XI that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.