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Ruben Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant failure. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor secured a standing as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, but, is not often that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the finest team they had encountered in a while. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Although it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of executives with poorer histories—Amorim's demise was finally hindered by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important members, he might remain in the position—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful husbandry of this skilled roster is expected to be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Burnley, though, will not make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their displays have at times been more impressive than the results indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack the visitors who are expected to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.