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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the negative causes. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by suffering a final loss to Spurs, namely the current iteration of the North London club.

The game, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a much stronger condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising their opponents as the finest opposition they had encountered in some time. The performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's exit was ultimately hampered by awful luck. If injuries to crucial players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he might remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly stable state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Merely sensible husbandry of this talented squad is expected to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their showings have often been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to get after opponents who are expected to field an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.