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Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, though, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best side they had encountered in some time. Their football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with poorer records—his downfall was ultimately hampered by awful luck. Had injuries to key stars not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he could remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively positive situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful husbandry of this skilled squad ought to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

The home side, however, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have frequently been stronger than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his team revved up to get after the visitors who are expected to play an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.