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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, nor achieved a standing as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Life, though, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a far better state than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding United as the best opposition they had faced in a while. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

While it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable track records—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful luck. If the absence of key personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal figures, he may remain in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Merely sensible management of this skilled group ought to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Although having only 12 points and losing three of their last five games, their performances have frequently been better than the results indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.