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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the wrong reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, or managed a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, though, is not often that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the finest team they had played against in a while. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of superiors with even worse histories—his demise was in the end hampered by terrible fortune. If the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other important individuals, he may remain in the position—perhaps succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a relatively solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful husbandry of this gifted roster should be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, will not be a pushover. Although having only twelve points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to get after the visitors who are likely to field an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.