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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or secured a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a team in a much stronger state than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding United as the best side they had faced in a while. The play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his comments about executives with poorer records—his demise was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other essential figures, he may still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible stewardship of this talented group ought to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't roll over. Despite boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five outings, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to get after United who are set to start an XI that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.