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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or secured a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, specifically the current iteration of Tottenham.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a club in a far better state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the finest team they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by terrible luck. Had the absence of vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other essential members, he might remain in the role—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid situation. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent stewardship of this talented roster should be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, though, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their most recent five outings, their displays have at times been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to attack opponents who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.