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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, or managed a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Additionally, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

The game, however, is not often that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a team in a far better position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the best team they had played against in a while. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about executives with more miserable track records—his exit was ultimately hampered by awful fortune. Had injuries to key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may remain in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Merely sensible husbandry of this talented group is expected to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, but, will not roll over. Although having only 12 points and losing 3 of their last five matches, their showings have often been more impressive than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his side revved up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.