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Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the negative reasons. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, or secured a final position as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Life, though, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a far better state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in a while. The performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was in the end hampered by terrible luck. If injuries to crucial players not occurred alongside the loss of other essential figures, he may remain in the job—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible stewardship of this gifted squad should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their performances have frequently been better than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Parker will surely have his side revved up to get after United who are expected to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

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