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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the poor factors. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, however, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a club in a far better state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about executives with more miserable records—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful luck. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled group is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

The home side, though, won't roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and losing three of their previous five outings, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to United who are set to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.