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Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the wrong causes. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, or secured a final position as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, but, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a far better position than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing United as the finest team they had played against in a long time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about executives with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. Had injuries to crucial stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential members, he could remain in the position—maybe thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher steps into a relatively stable scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted group should be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and losing three of their previous five games, their showings have frequently been better than the scorelines indicate. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to United who are expected to field an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.