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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor achieved a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

The game, though, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, he exits a club in a far better position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in some time. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—his downfall was in the end hindered by awful luck. If the absence of vital stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other important figures, he may remain in the role—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively positive situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely careful stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't make things easy. Although having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to attack opponents who are set to field an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.