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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the negative factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, or managed a final position as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely the current version of Spurs.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a squad in a much stronger position than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding United as the finest side they had encountered in a while. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Although it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer records—his downfall was in the end hindered by awful luck. If injuries to crucial players not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he could remain in the position—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Simply careful husbandry of this talented squad should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Even with having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their performances have often been more impressive than the results indicate. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to get after the visitors who are set to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.