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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major failure. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the poor factors. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or achieved a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. 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. Additionally, he famously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of Spurs.

Life, but, is seldom that simple. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive team they had faced in some time. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of superiors with even worse records—his exit was ultimately hindered by awful fortune. Had the absence of vital stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential figures, he might still be in the job—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive scenario. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely sensible husbandry of this gifted squad ought to be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Although having only 12 points and losing three of their last five outings, their performances have often been better than the outcomes suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his team pumped up to get after United who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.