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Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, nor secured a standing as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Football, but, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim exits a club in a far better state than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best team they had encountered in some time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about superiors with more miserable records—his downfall was finally hindered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may remain in the job—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively positive scenario. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Simply sensible management of this talented squad ought to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Burnley, though, won't make things easy. Even with having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their displays have often been more impressive than the outcomes show. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.