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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, nor managed a standing as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, though, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a team in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best team they had faced in a while. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was ultimately hampered by atrocious fortune. If fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential figures, he may remain in the job—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a relatively solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Merely prudent stewardship of this gifted roster ought to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and losing 3 of their last five games, their performances have frequently been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to take the game to United who are likely to play an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

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