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Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the negative factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor secured a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim departs from a team in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had faced in a long time. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his criticism of executives with more miserable histories—his exit was finally stymied by awful fortune. If the absence of vital personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other essential individuals, he might still be in the job—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this gifted roster should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

The home side, though, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their showings have often been better than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team revved up to take the game to opponents who are expected to field an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.