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Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the negative causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim departs from a team in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a while. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of superiors with poorer track records—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by terrible luck. Had the absence of crucial players not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he could still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly positive state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful stewardship of this gifted squad ought to be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Task

Burnley, though, will not be a pushover. Even with having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five outings, their showings have frequently been better than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after opponents who are likely to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.