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Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the wrong causes. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he departs from a squad in a far better position than the one he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the finest team they had played against in some time. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable records—Amorim's exit was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for crucial stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential individuals, he may remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly solid scenario. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent management of this gifted roster ought to be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Test

The home side, though, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their displays have frequently been better than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will surely have his squad fired up to attack the visitors who are likely to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.