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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the wrong factors. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, nor achieved a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom so black and white. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a team in a far better state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best team they had played against in a long time. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of bosses with poorer histories—his exit was in the end hindered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for vital stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he could still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this talented squad should be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, but, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their performances have at times been stronger than the results indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack opponents who are likely to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.