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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the negative causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, or achieved a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly the current version of Spurs.

Life, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, he exits a squad in a far better position than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the best team they had encountered in a while. The performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is tough to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his downfall was in the end hampered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the position—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this talented squad should be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

The home side, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Although having only a dozen points and having lost three of their last five matches, their displays have often been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Manager Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.