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Amorim's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the poor reasons. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, or secured a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, however, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a much stronger state than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in some time. The performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding executives with poorer track records—his demise was finally hindered by atrocious fortune. If injuries to crucial personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he might remain in the job—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly stable scenario. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent stewardship of this skilled roster should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, will not be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes show. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.