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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the negative factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of matches. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a squad in a far better state than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by terrible fortune. Had the absence of crucial personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he could still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive situation. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Simply prudent management of this talented roster ought to be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, will not make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and losing 3 of their last five outings, their showings have often been stronger than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to take the game to United who are expected to field an lineup that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.