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Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the wrong causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely the current iteration of Tottenham.

Football, however, is not often that simple. Despite the negative press of his favored system, Amorim departs from a team in a much stronger state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the best opposition they had faced in a while. Their play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse histories—his exit was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Merely prudent stewardship of this talented roster should be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, but, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing three of their last five outings, their performances have frequently been better than the results show. Head coach Parker will certainly have his side fired up to get after opponents who are expected to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.