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The former manager's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable failure. By any measure, his record is notable for all the poor reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor achieved a final position as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, but, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim departs from a club in a much stronger condition than the one he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the finest opposition they had encountered in a long time. The performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with even worse track records—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for vital stars not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he could still be in the position—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively solid scenario. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, will not make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes suggest. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to get after United who are expected to field an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.