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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the poor factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return 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 infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, though, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he exits a team in a far better condition than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the finest team they had played against in a while. The play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hampered by awful luck. Had the absence of vital players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential members, he may remain in the position—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent management of this talented roster is expected to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, however, are unlikely to roll over. Although boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his team revved up to get after United who are expected to field an XI that has never played together, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.