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Amorim's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the poor factors. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or secured a standing as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, though, is not often that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a far better condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the best opposition they had faced in some time. The football in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his downfall was ultimately hampered by awful luck. If injuries to key stars not coincided with the loss of other pivotal members, he might still be in the position—perhaps succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled group ought to be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

The home side, though, won't be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to attack opponents who are likely to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.