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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the wrong factors. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Life, but, is not often that simple. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a much stronger position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the best team they had encountered in a while. The performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Although it is tough to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse records—Amorim's exit was finally stymied by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for key stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he might remain in the job—possibly even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible management of this talented group should be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, but, won't roll over. Although boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five games, their performances have at times been stronger than the outcomes show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to get after the visitors who are likely to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.