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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the negative causes. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a final position as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, though, is not often that simple. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a team in a far better condition than the one he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best side they had played against in a while. Their play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—his demise was finally stymied by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to crucial players not occurred alongside the loss of other essential figures, he may still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively stable scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Just sensible stewardship of this skilled group should be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

The home side, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Even with boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their showings have frequently been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Parker will surely have his team pumped up to attack the visitors who are expected to play an XI that has never played together, deployed in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.