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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the poor factors. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, though, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. The play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable track records—his demise was finally hindered by awful fortune. If the absence of crucial stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other important individuals, he may still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly positive scenario. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Merely prudent stewardship of this skilled group ought to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't roll over. Although having only a dozen points and losing three of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been better than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to get after opponents who are expected to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.