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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the poor factors. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding United as the finest side they had encountered in a while. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Although it is tough to dispute the termination—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his exit was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. If the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the absence of other important members, he might still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled roster should be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, though, will not roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been better than the scorelines show. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to take the game to opponents who are expected to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.