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The former manager's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current side of the North London club.

Life, but, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a squad in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the best side they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is tough to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important individuals, he could remain in the job—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively solid scenario. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only twelve points and losing three of their last five outings, their showings have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to get after the visitors who are likely to start an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.