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The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded a lower points average, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a club in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in a long time. The performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his comments about executives with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. Had the absence of crucial players not occurred alongside the absence of other important individuals, he might still be in the job—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively stable state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Merely careful stewardship of this gifted group should be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Burnley, though, won't roll over. Even with having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their last five games, their displays have at times been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his team revved up to take the game to the visitors who are set to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.