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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative reasons. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, or secured a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Football, however, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck reported that teammates were praising United as the finest team they had faced in a while. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with poorer track records—Amorim's exit was in the end hindered by awful luck. If fitness issues for key players not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he may remain in the position—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible husbandry of this talented group should be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, however, will not roll over. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have frequently been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to attack the visitors who are set to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.