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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, or managed a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a squad in a much stronger position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive side they had encountered in some time. The play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of superiors with even worse histories—Amorim's downfall was in the end stymied by terrible luck. If fitness issues for vital players not coincided with the absence of other important individuals, he might remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly stable situation. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Merely sensible management of this gifted group should be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Burnley, but, will not make things easy. Even with boasting only twelve points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are likely to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.