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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, though, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a team in a far better condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in a while. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer histories—his demise was ultimately hampered by awful luck. If fitness issues for crucial stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential individuals, he might still be in the job—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely careful management of this skilled group ought to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their displays have at times been better than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will certainly have his side revved up to get after the visitors who are expected to field an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.