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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, or secured a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had faced in some time. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Although it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's downfall was finally hampered by terrible fortune. Had the absence of key personnel not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important members, he may remain in the job—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Merely careful husbandry of this gifted roster should be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

The home side, however, will not be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and losing 3 of their most recent five games, their showings have frequently been better than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his team revved up to attack the visitors who are likely to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.