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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a major letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or secured a standing as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom that simple. Despite the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a much stronger condition than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the best opposition they had faced in a while. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—his exit was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. If injuries to vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important members, he might remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid scenario. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible stewardship of this gifted roster should be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

The home side, though, will not be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been better than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to get after opponents who are expected to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.