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Amorim's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, though, is rarely that simple. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in some time. Their football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse track records—his downfall was ultimately hampered by atrocious fortune. If the absence of key personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other essential members, he could remain in the job—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful stewardship of this talented group is expected to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, but, will not be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their performances have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will certainly have his team fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.