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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a lower points average, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, but, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the finest opposition they had encountered in some time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his criticism of executives with even worse track records—his exit was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. Had the absence of vital stars not coincided with the loss of other essential members, he might still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent husbandry of this talented group ought to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Although having only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their showings have often been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to take the game to United who are likely to field an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.