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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, or achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, however, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim exits a club in a much stronger state than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. Their performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his comments about superiors with more miserable histories—his downfall was ultimately hindered by awful luck. If injuries to vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he could still be in the role—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Simply careful management of this talented squad ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to get after the visitors who are likely to start an XI that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.