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Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, or secured 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 Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

The game, but, is not often that simple. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a far better state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. The play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Although it is tough to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about executives with poorer records—his downfall was ultimately hindered by terrible fortune. If the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he may still be in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively solid situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent management of this skilled squad ought to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five matches, their performances have often been better than the scorelines show. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team revved up to get after United who are likely to play an lineup that has never played together, set up in a setup they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.