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Amorim's spell at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the negative factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or managed a league finish as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Life, though, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he departs from a club in a far better state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising United as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. The football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his comments about executives with more miserable histories—his exit was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. If injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important members, he may remain in the job—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled group ought to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack opponents who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.