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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the poor factors. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, nor secured a final position as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, but, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a team in a far better state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in some time. The performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse histories—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by awful luck. Had fitness issues for crucial stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important members, he may still be in the position—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Merely careful management of this gifted group ought to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, though, will not roll over. Even with having only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their showings have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack United who are likely to start an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.