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Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his record stands out for all the negative causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Football, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a club in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the best opposition they had encountered in a while. The play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was finally hampered by terrible fortune. Had injuries to key personnel not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential figures, he might still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent management of this skilled squad should be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, however, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to get after United who are expected to start an lineup that has never played together, set up in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.