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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or managed a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, but, is seldom that simple. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the best team they had played against in some time. Their play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. If injuries to key personnel not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important individuals, he might remain in the job—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable situation. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent management of this gifted roster ought to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

The home side, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have frequently been better than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.