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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong factors. During the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor managed a league finish as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, particularly the current iteration of Tottenham.

Life, though, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a much stronger position than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive side they had played against in a long time. The play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is hard to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about bosses with more miserable records—his exit was in the end hindered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential members, he could remain in the position—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful husbandry of this skilled roster ought to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, will not be a pushover. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their previous five games, their displays have frequently been better than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack the visitors who are likely to play an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.