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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, nor managed a standing as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he infamously secured a place in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a much stronger position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising their opponents as the finest side they had faced in a long time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Although it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his comments about executives with more miserable histories—his demise was in the end stymied by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not coincided with the loss of other essential members, he may remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a relatively solid situation. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent management of this talented group is expected to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, though, will not make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have often been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to take the game to United who are set to start an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.