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The former manager's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the wrong reasons. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Football, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the best side they had played against in a while. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable track records—his exit was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to crucial players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the role—possibly even.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a fairly stable situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite having only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five matches, their showings have often been stronger than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will certainly have his side fired up to take the game to 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 a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.