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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the poor factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a league finish as disappointing 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 games. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current version of Tottenham.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising United as the best team they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's exit was ultimately hindered by awful luck. Had fitness issues for key personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other important figures, he could remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled group ought to be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Burnley, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the results indicate. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to get after the visitors who are expected to field an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.