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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, or secured a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in club lore by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, however, is not often that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim exits a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had faced in a long time. The play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his criticism of executives with even worse histories—his demise was in the end stymied by awful luck. Had injuries to vital players not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal figures, he could remain in the job—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly stable situation. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Simply sensible stewardship of this talented group is expected to be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to roll over. Despite having only twelve points and having lost three of their last five matches, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to get after the visitors who are set to play an XI that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.