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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major failure. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a far better condition than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the finest team they had faced in a while. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's downfall was finally hampered by terrible luck. Had the absence of crucial players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might still be in the job—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this gifted group should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost three of their most recent five matches, their showings have at times been better than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to attack United who are expected to field an XI that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.