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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a major disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative factors. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically the current side of Spurs.

Life, though, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a team in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the best opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his downfall was ultimately hampered by awful fortune. Had injuries to key players not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he might still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively positive scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely sensible management of this talented roster ought to be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Although boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their previous five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are likely to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.