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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current version of Spurs.

Football, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a much stronger position than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. The play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer track records—his exit was in the end stymied by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important figures, he could still be in the position—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Simply sensible management of this talented roster should be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their showings have often been better than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to attack United who are set to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.