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Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable failure. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, though, is not often so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a squad in a much stronger state than that which he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding United as the finest team they had played against in some time. Their performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hindered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal members, he could remain in the position—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly stable scenario. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Just careful management of this gifted group ought to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, but, won't make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five matches, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to take the game to United who are set to start an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.