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Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. By any measure, his record is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor achieved a league finish as poor as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, but, is not often so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a team in a far better position than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the best side they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is hard to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with poorer records—Amorim's exit was finally stymied by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other essential figures, he might still be in the position—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply sensible stewardship of this skilled squad should be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Burnley, though, won't make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their showings have often been stronger than the results show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an XI that has never played together, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.