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Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the negative factors. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or managed a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—his exit was in the end hindered by awful luck. Had the absence of crucial players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important members, he could remain in the job—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent management of this skilled roster should be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for next season—probably in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, will not make things easy. Although having only a dozen points and losing three of their most recent five matches, their performances have often been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to attack the visitors who are set to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.