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Amorim's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the wrong causes. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, or managed a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a club in a much stronger state than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were praising their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in a while. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Although it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about superiors with even worse histories—his demise was in the end stymied by terrible luck. If fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other important individuals, he might remain in the role—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively solid situation. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this skilled group ought to be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

The home side, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although having only twelve points and having lost three of their previous five outings, their displays have often been more impressive than the outcomes show. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.