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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant failure. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, but, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the finest team they had played against in a long time. The football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about bosses with even worse track records—Amorim's demise was ultimately stymied by awful luck. Had the absence of key personnel not coincided with the loss of other important members, he might remain in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively positive scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Just careful stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Burnley, though, will not be a pushover. Even with boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been stronger than the results show. Manager Parker will certainly have his team fired up to get after United who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.