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The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, specifically the current iteration of Spurs.

The game, though, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the criticism of his favored system, Amorim exits a squad in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest opposition they had faced in some time. The play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful fortune. If fitness issues for crucial personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he might remain in the role—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly solid situation. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely sensible management of this talented roster is expected to be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, though, will not roll over. Although having only twelve points and losing three of their previous five games, their showings have often been stronger than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.