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Amorim's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, or secured a league finish as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he famously secured a place in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he exits a team in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising United as the best opposition they had played against in some time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—his downfall was ultimately hindered by awful fortune. If the absence of vital stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he could remain in the position—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Merely careful stewardship of this gifted group ought to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Burnley, though, won't be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five games, their performances have often been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Manager Parker will certainly have his side fired up to attack United who are set to play an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.