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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the negative factors. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he famously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, however, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a squad in a far better condition than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were praising their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be caused by his comments about bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to key stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he could remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted group is expected to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, will not make things easy. Even with boasting only twelve points and losing three of their most recent five games, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to get after the visitors who are set to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.