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Ruben Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a lower points average, nor managed a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he famously etched his name in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current iteration of the North London club.

Football, however, is not often so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, he exits a squad in a far better position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. Their football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of superiors with poorer records—his exit was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to key players not coincided with the absence of other pivotal individuals, he might still be in the position—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly positive situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful management of this skilled group should be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Burnley, but, won't roll over. Although boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five games, their showings have at times been better than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to attack United who are expected to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.