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Ruben Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, but, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, he departs from a club in a significantly improved state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the best team they had faced in a long time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. Had the absence of vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the position—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a fairly stable state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Merely careful stewardship of this talented roster should be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their last five matches, their showings have frequently been better than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to attack the visitors who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.