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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the poor causes. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current version of Tottenham.

Football, however, is seldom that simple. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the finest opposition they had played against in some time. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Even though it is tough to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by awful luck. Had fitness issues for key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important members, he could remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable scenario. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Just sensible husbandry of this talented squad should be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to get after United who are likely to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.