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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, specifically the current version of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he departs from a team in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in a long time. The performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of bosses with poorer histories—Amorim's exit was finally hampered by terrible fortune. Had injuries to vital stars not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he could remain in the position—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this skilled roster should be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, but, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their last five outings, their performances have frequently been stronger than the results suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after opponents who are likely to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.