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Ruben Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he famously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, though, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, he departs from a squad in a far better state than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding United as the best team they had faced in some time. The performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is hard to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with poorer records—his downfall was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for key stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential individuals, he could remain in the role—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled group ought to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Burnley, however, won't be a pushover. Despite boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have frequently been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his team revved up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to field an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.