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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the negative reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor achieved a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a far better condition than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. The performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with poorer histories—his exit was finally hindered by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important members, he might still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Just sensible stewardship of this gifted roster should be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Burnley, however, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their performances have often been better than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to attack opponents who are expected to start an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.