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Ruben Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the negative causes. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, however, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, he exits a squad in a far better position than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer histories—Amorim's exit was in the end hindered by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of vital players not coincided with the loss of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Merely careful management of this talented squad should be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.