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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a notable letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, or managed a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, however, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, he exits a club in a far better position than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the finest team they had played against in some time. The football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse records—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by awful luck. If the absence of key stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he may remain in the position—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Just prudent husbandry of this talented group should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing 3 of their last five matches, their showings have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.