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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or achieved a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Football, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he departs from a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. Their play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his comments about executives with poorer records—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by awful luck. Had the absence of key personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other important figures, he might still be in the role—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively stable state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Merely careful husbandry of this talented squad should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Despite having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their displays have frequently been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to get after the visitors who are expected to field an XI that has never played together, deployed in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.