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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the poor reasons. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as disappointing 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 higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, though, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a far better state than the one he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising United as the most impressive side they had played against in a while. Their play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Although it is tough to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about bosses with even worse records—Amorim's demise was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. If the absence of vital players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential individuals, he might remain in the role—perhaps thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher steps into a fairly stable scenario. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply careful management of this skilled squad should be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, though, are unlikely to roll over. Despite having only twelve points and losing three of their most recent five outings, their displays have at times been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team fired up to take the game to United who are expected to play an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.