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The former manager's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, nor achieved a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the finest opposition they had faced in some time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is hard to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable records—his exit was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. Had injuries to vital personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he may still be in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a relatively positive state of affairs. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled group should be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their previous five games, their displays have at times been better than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are set to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.