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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the poor factors. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, but, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising United as the finest team they had played against in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with poorer histories—his demise was finally hindered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he might remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Simply sensible stewardship of this skilled roster is expected to be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five outings, their displays have often been more impressive than the results show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to get after opponents who are likely to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.