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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a team in a far better condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the best side they had encountered in a long time. Their performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable records—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for key personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he may remain in the position—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible management of this talented roster should be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, but, will not make things easy. Even with boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five games, their performances have often been better than the results suggest. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to attack United who are set to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.