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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the negative causes. In the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor secured a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically the current version of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the most impressive team they had faced in a long time. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Although it is difficult to contest the termination—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hindered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may remain in the position—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Merely careful management of this gifted group is expected to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Test

The home side, but, are unlikely to roll over. Although having only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have often been more impressive than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his team revved up to get after United who are expected to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.