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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, nor managed a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Life, though, is not often that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a squad in a far better state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in some time. The football in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to contest the termination—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of superiors with more miserable track records—his demise was finally hampered by terrible fortune. If injuries to crucial stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important figures, he might still be in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly solid state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Just careful husbandry of this skilled group should be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Even with having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five outings, their showings have often been more impressive than the outcomes show. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team revved up to get after the visitors who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.