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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the poor reasons. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, or managed a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly the current version of the North London club.

Life, though, is not often that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in a long time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of executives with poorer records—Amorim's demise was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. If the absence of key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other important members, he might still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly stable state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Merely prudent stewardship of this talented roster should be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their performances have often been better than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to attack United who are expected to field an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.