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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. By any measure, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor managed a standing as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he famously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, however, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in a while. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of superiors with more miserable histories—his demise was ultimately hindered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he could still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Merely careful management of this skilled roster should be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to roll over. Although having only a dozen points and losing three of their last five games, their displays have at times been better than the results show. Boss Parker will certainly have his team revved up to attack opponents who are set to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.