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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor managed a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, but, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a team in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. The football in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about superiors with even worse records—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by terrible fortune. Had the absence of key players not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he could remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly positive situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Simply careful management of this talented group ought to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Burnley, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their displays have often been more impressive than the results suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are expected to play an lineup that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.