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Ruben Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the negative factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, but, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a club in a far better condition than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the finest side they had faced in a long time. The football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's downfall was finally hampered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he might remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Simply sensible management of this talented squad ought to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five games, their showings have at times been better than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to take the game to United who are expected to play an lineup that has never played together, set up in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.