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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the wrong factors. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or managed a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a significantly improved state than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive side they had faced in some time. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is hard to dispute the termination—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about executives with even worse records—his demise was ultimately hindered by terrible fortune. Had injuries to key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other important figures, he may still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a fairly stable state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent husbandry of this talented roster ought to be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Burnley, but, are unlikely to roll over. Despite having only twelve points and losing three of their previous five outings, their displays have frequently been stronger than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team fired up to take the game to United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.