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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the poor reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, but, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. Their play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse records—Amorim's demise was finally hindered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential members, he could still be in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Merely sensible management of this talented roster should be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been better than the outcomes show. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to get after the visitors who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.