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Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the poor factors. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a lower points average, or secured a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, however, is not often so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a much stronger condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in some time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

While it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of superiors with more miserable records—Amorim's exit was finally stymied by awful fortune. If fitness issues for crucial players not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the role—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive scenario. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just sensible stewardship of this gifted squad should be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Even with having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their last five outings, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team pumped up to attack United who are expected to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.