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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant failure. By any measure, his record stands out for all the poor factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, but, is not often that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, Amorim departs from a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the finest side they had faced in some time. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. If fitness issues for crucial stars not coincided with the absence of other essential members, he could still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent stewardship of this skilled group is expected to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, but, will not roll over. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.