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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the negative reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, nor managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of the North London club.

Football, though, is rarely that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a team in a much stronger state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer records—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by terrible luck. Had the absence of vital personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal individuals, he might still be in the position—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Merely sensible stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Although boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have frequently been stronger than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his side revved up to take the game to the visitors 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: 20:15 GMT.