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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a notable failure. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current side of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger state than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his downfall was ultimately hampered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he might still be in the role—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable situation. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent management of this talented group is expected to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

The home side, though, will not make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their showings have often been better than the scorelines indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to get after the visitors who are set to field an lineup that has never played together, set up in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.