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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor secured a league finish as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Football, but, is seldom that simple. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a club in a much stronger condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. The football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

While it is difficult to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of superiors with poorer histories—Amorim's exit was in the end hampered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to key personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he might remain in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Just careful management of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his side revved up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.