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Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major failure. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the wrong factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, though, is rarely so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he exits a club in a far better state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. The performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about executives with even worse track records—his exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious luck. If the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important members, he may still be in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively stable state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this skilled group ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, but, will not be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their showings have at times been better than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to get after the visitors who are expected to play an XI that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.