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Ruben Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the negative factors. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he famously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, however, is not often that simple. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, he exits a squad in a much stronger state than that which he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding United as the best opposition they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable track records—his downfall was in the end hampered by awful luck. Had the absence of vital stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential individuals, he could still be in the job—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just careful management of this gifted group ought to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

The home side, but, are unlikely to roll over. Even with having only 12 points and losing three of their last five matches, their displays have often been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to take the game to United who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.