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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant letdown. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the negative causes. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or achieved a final position as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, but, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a squad in a much stronger state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

While it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about executives with more miserable histories—his exit was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. Had injuries to key personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other essential individuals, he might remain in the role—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Just careful husbandry of this skilled roster ought to be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after United who are set to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.