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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, or managed a standing as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, namely the current iteration of the North London club.

Life, but, is seldom that simple. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a team in a far better state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the best side they had faced in a while. The play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Although it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—Amorim's exit was in the end stymied by atrocious luck. If injuries to crucial personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other important individuals, he could still be in the position—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive scenario. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, though, will not be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to take the game to United who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.