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Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable failure. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the poor reasons. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, or achieved a standing as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Life, however, is rarely that simple. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best side they had encountered in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

While it is tough to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of executives with poorer histories—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. If fitness issues for vital players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential figures, he could still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly stable scenario. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Although having only 12 points and losing 3 of their most recent five outings, their displays have often been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to get after opponents who are expected to start an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.