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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the poor causes. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor secured a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he famously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, though, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his favored system, Amorim exits a team in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had encountered in some time. The performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his exit was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not coincided with the loss of other important figures, he might remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly positive state of affairs. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible management of this gifted squad is expected to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Burnley, but, are unlikely to roll over. Although boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their performances have at times been more impressive than the outcomes show. Boss Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.