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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major letdown. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the wrong factors. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, 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 greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he famously etched his name in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a team in a much stronger position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive side they had encountered in some time. The football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

While it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be caused by his comments about superiors with more miserable track records—his demise was in the end hampered by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important individuals, he might still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent stewardship of this talented squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, but, will not roll over. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their last five matches, their performances have frequently been better than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to attack United who are expected to start an lineup that has never played together, deployed in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.