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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, though, is rarely that simple. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a far better state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the finest side they had faced in some time. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Although it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable track records—Amorim's exit was ultimately hampered by awful fortune. If fitness issues for crucial players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential individuals, he may remain in the position—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible husbandry of this talented squad ought to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Burnley, but, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their displays have at times been better than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will surely have his side revved up to attack the visitors who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.