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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the poor factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, or secured a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically the current version of Spurs.

Football, though, is rarely so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the finest team they had faced in some time. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of executives with even worse track records—his downfall was finally hampered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for vital stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just sensible management of this gifted roster should be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, but, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five outings, their displays have frequently been better than the results show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to attack United who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.