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The former manager's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, or managed 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 greater proportion of games. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly the current side of Spurs.

Life, though, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he departs from a team in a much stronger state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest opposition they had played against in a while. The play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of executives with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was in the end hindered by atrocious fortune. If fitness issues for crucial stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential members, he could remain in the role—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Merely careful management of this gifted group should be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, however, are unlikely to roll over. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will surely have his team pumped up to take the game to United who are expected to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.