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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding United as the best opposition they had played against in a long time. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. Had the absence of key stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential members, he may still be in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Simply prudent husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Burnley, but, will not roll over. Even with boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their displays have frequently been stronger than the outcomes show. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to attack United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.