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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a notable failure. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, but, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a team in a far better state than that which he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive team they had played against in a long time. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is tough to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his comments about executives with even worse records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for key personnel not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential figures, he may remain in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly stable state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible stewardship of this skilled roster is expected to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Burnley, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five outings, their displays have at times been better than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.