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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a final position as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

The game, though, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a far better position than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had played against in some time. The football in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of executives with even worse track records—Amorim's downfall was in the end stymied by terrible fortune. If the absence of vital stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential individuals, he may still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Simply sensible management of this skilled group should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to take the game to United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.