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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his record stands out for all the poor factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or managed a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, namely the current side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a squad in a far better state than the one he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing United as the best side they had played against in a long time. The play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—his demise was ultimately hindered by awful luck. If injuries to crucial players not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he could still be in the position—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this gifted group should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Burnley, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their showings have at times been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to get after the visitors who are set to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.