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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the negative factors. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he famously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, particularly the current side of the North London club.

Football, but, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a long time. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about executives with more miserable records—his demise was in the end stymied by atrocious luck. Had the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important figures, he may remain in the position—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Just sensible husbandry of this talented group is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, though, will not roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and losing three of their last five games, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are likely to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.