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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. By any measure, his results stands out for all the wrong causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim departs from a club in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had encountered in some time. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Although it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with more miserable track records—his demise was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal figures, he may still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Just careful management of this talented squad ought to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Task

The home side, but, won't roll over. Even with boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their displays have at times been better than the scorelines show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to get after United who are likely to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.