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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the negative causes. During the Premier League era, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor managed a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, but, is not often that simple. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a far better condition than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a while. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable histories—his downfall was in the end hampered by terrible luck. Had the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly positive scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this gifted squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

The home side, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their performances have often been better than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to get after United who are expected to field an XI that has never played together, arranged in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.