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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding United as the best team they had faced in some time. Their play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to dispute the termination—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about executives with more miserable histories—his downfall was finally hindered by terrible luck. If the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important individuals, he might remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent management of this gifted roster ought to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, however, won't roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to get after United who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.