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Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the wrong causes. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, or managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current side of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a far better condition than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing United as the best side they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Although it is tough to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his comments about bosses with poorer records—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by terrible fortune. If injuries to crucial players not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he could remain in the job—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable scenario. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Simply careful husbandry of this gifted group ought to be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Although having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have at times been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to the visitors who are set to field an XI that has never played together, deployed in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.