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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. By any measure, his results stands out for all the negative factors. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current iteration of Tottenham.

The game, but, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a club in a far better position than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the best side they had encountered in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is hard to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—his demise was ultimately hampered by atrocious fortune. If fitness issues for crucial stars not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he could remain in the position—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher steps into a fairly stable state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent husbandry of this gifted squad should be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their displays have at times been better than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are set to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.