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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. In the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he famously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly the current version of Spurs.

Football, however, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a squad in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—his downfall was in the end hampered by terrible luck. Had injuries to key stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal individuals, he could remain in the role—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled roster is expected to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their displays have frequently been stronger than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to attack opponents who are expected to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.