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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the wrong factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Football, though, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, he leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest opposition they had played against in a while. The performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—his exit was in the end hampered by terrible fortune. Had the absence of vital stars not coincided with the absence of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply prudent stewardship of this skilled group should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't be a pushover. Even with having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their performances have often been more impressive than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to get after United who are set to start an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.