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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, or managed a standing as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

Life, though, is not often so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the finest team they had played against in some time. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Although it is hard to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for crucial players not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal members, he might remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Just sensible management of this talented roster ought to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, though, will not make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and losing three of their previous five outings, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to get after United who are expected to start an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.