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Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, but, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a far better state than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the finest opposition they had played against in a while. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with poorer histories—his demise was ultimately hindered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for vital personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal figures, he may still be in the job—maybe thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Just careful management of this talented roster should be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their previous five matches, their performances have often been better than the results show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.