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Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the poor factors. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, nor managed a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. 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 was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, however, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, he exits a club in a significantly improved state than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. The performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by terrible luck. If the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal individuals, he might remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled roster is expected to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, but, won't be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have often been more impressive than the results show. Manager Parker will surely have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are set to field an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.