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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. During the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, nor managed a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically the current version of the North London club.

Life, however, is rarely that simple. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a far better state than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in some time. Their performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to dispute the termination—particularly given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer histories—Amorim's downfall was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important members, he may remain in the job—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply sensible management of this skilled squad should be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

Burnley, though, won't roll over. Although boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their performances have often been better than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.