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The former manager's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the negative causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or secured a final position as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he famously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, specifically the current version of Tottenham.

Football, but, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a team in a much stronger state than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. The football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Although it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of superiors with even worse track records—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful fortune. If injuries to crucial stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other essential figures, he might still be in the job—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable state of affairs. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible management of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't roll over. Although boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will certainly have his side fired up to get after opponents who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.