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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or managed a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in some time. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about superiors with more miserable track records—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the position—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a relatively solid situation. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent management of this skilled squad ought to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing three of their previous five matches, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to attack United who are set to field an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.