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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current version of the North London club.

Life, however, is not often so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding United as the finest team they had faced in a while. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hampered by terrible luck. If the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal individuals, he could remain in the job—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just sensible husbandry of this skilled squad should be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, but, will not be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and having lost three of their most recent five matches, their displays have at times been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to attack the visitors who are set to start an XI that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.