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The former manager's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, but, is rarely that simple. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable histories—Amorim's downfall was in the end stymied by terrible luck. If the absence of vital players not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he might still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Merely careful husbandry of this skilled roster ought to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, however, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and losing 3 of their last five matches, their displays have at times been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team fired up to get after United who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

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