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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, or managed a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, he exits a squad in a significantly improved condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the most impressive team they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Although it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for vital stars not coincided with the loss of other important figures, he may remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly solid scenario. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Just prudent management of this skilled roster should be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, however, won't roll over. Despite having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Manager Parker will certainly have his team revved up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.