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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th place. 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 greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Football, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he exits a squad in a much stronger position than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Although it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with poorer track records—his demise was in the end hindered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial players not coincided with the loss of other pivotal individuals, he could remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively stable state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled group should be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't make things easy. Although having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the outcomes show. Manager Parker will surely have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are likely to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.