🔗 Share this article

Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the wrong factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, though, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a far better state than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the best side they had played against in a long time. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of executives with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was finally hampered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for crucial players not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted roster is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for next season—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Burnley, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five matches, their showings have often been better than the outcomes show. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to get after opponents who are set to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.