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Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable failure. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, or managed a standing as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

The game, but, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, he departs from a squad in a far better position than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in a long time. Their performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with poorer track records—his downfall was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of vital stars not coincided with the absence of other important members, he could still be in the job—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly solid state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this talented roster is expected to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for next season—probably in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five matches, their showings have frequently been stronger than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to get after opponents who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.