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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, or managed a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of games. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, though, is rarely that simple. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. The football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

While it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about bosses with even worse track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. Had the absence of crucial stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal individuals, he might remain in the role—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this talented group ought to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their displays have often been more impressive than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to attack United who are set to start an XI that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.