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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the poor factors. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current side of Tottenham.

Life, though, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a squad in a much stronger position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in some time. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with poorer histories—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might remain in the position—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible management of this talented group should be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Burnley, though, will not make things easy. Even with having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to get after the visitors who are likely to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.