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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong causes. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or managed a final position as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current side of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other important members, he might remain in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this talented group ought to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, though, won't roll over. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their displays have at times been better than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to get after the visitors who are likely to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.