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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the poor factors. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, or achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, namely the current iteration of the North London club.

The game, however, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a much stronger position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the most impressive team they had faced in some time. Their performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

While it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be caused by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key players not coincided with the absence of other important individuals, he could still be in the job—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively solid scenario. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Merely prudent management of this talented roster is expected to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the results indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his team revved up to take the game to United who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.