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Amorim's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, however, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising their opponents as the best side they had faced in a while. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of executives with more miserable track records—his demise was ultimately hindered by awful luck. Had injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he might remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible management of this talented roster should be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

The home side, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to attack United who are likely to start an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.