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Amorim's spell at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, nor secured a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, though, is not often so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the finest side they had faced in some time. The play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer records—his exit was finally hampered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for crucial players not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal members, he may still be in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively solid state of affairs. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Just sensible husbandry of this talented squad ought to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, but, won't make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and losing three of their previous five outings, their displays have frequently been better than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to take the game to opponents who are set to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.