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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, but, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the best side they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be caused by his comments about superiors with more miserable records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by awful luck. Had the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal members, he might still be in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly stable state of affairs. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible husbandry of this talented squad should be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't be a pushover. Despite boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their showings have frequently been stronger than the results indicate. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to attack opponents who are likely to field an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.