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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a notable disappointment. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the wrong reasons. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor managed a standing as poor as 15th place. 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 lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of the North London club.

Life, but, is not often so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a club in a significantly improved state than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the best opposition they had faced in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

While it is hard to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of key players not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he might remain in the job—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively positive state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled roster should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Burnley, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with having only a dozen points and having lost three of their most recent five matches, their performances have often been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Head coach Parker will certainly have his side fired up to take the game to United who are expected to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.