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Amorim's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant failure. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the negative factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to 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, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a much stronger position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in a while. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about superiors with poorer records—his demise was ultimately hampered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for key stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he might still be in the position—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful management of this skilled squad is expected to be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not roll over. Despite having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their most recent five outings, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to get after United who are set to field an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.