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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the wrong causes. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or secured a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Spurs, particularly the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, though, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a far better condition than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other important figures, he might remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful husbandry of this talented group is expected to be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five outings, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are expected to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.