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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Additionally, he famously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, though, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for vital personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other important members, he could remain in the role—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively stable situation. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent stewardship of this skilled group should be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Burnley, however, will not be a pushover. Even with boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their performances have often been better than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will certainly have his side revved up to get after United who are expected to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.