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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the poor factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, but, is not often so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he exits a team in a far better position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the finest team they had faced in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—his downfall was finally hampered by awful fortune. Had the absence of crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he may remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a relatively positive scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent management of this skilled roster is expected to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Although having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack opponents who are expected to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.