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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. By any measure, his record stands out for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, but, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a team in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising their opponents as the best side they had played against in some time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of superiors with even worse track records—his downfall was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for key players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important individuals, he could remain in the job—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a relatively solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent stewardship of this gifted group is expected to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't roll over. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have at times been better than the scorelines indicate. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to the visitors who are set to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.