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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong factors. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Life, though, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a club in a significantly improved state than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding executives with poorer records—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by awful fortune. Had the absence of crucial stars not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he might still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly positive situation. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this talented group ought to be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, however, won't make things easy. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five matches, their showings have at times been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a setup they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.