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Amorim's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. During the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, however, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a far better position than that which he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the best side they had played against in some time. The football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse records—his exit was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for key stars not coincided with the unavailability of other important individuals, he could still be in the job—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a relatively stable scenario. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Simply sensible husbandry of this talented group ought to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

Burnley, though, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their displays have at times been better than the results indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his side fired up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.