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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the poor reasons. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, or managed a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current version of the North London club.

Football, but, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a club in a much stronger state than the one he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the finest opposition they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about executives with poorer track records—his downfall was finally hampered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other important members, he might still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a relatively positive state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful management of this skilled roster is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their displays have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to attack opponents who are expected to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.