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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the negative factors. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor achieved a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically the current version of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a club in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were praising United as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable records—his exit was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential members, he could remain in the job—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a fairly stable state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled squad should be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, however, won't be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their previous five games, their performances have at times been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to attack the visitors who are expected to play an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a system they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.