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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or achieved a league finish as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he famously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, however, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of superiors with more miserable histories—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to key stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important figures, he could still be in the job—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly positive state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful stewardship of this talented group should be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't make things easy. Although having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been better than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.