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The former manager's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant letdown. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the poor reasons. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he famously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about executives with poorer records—Amorim's exit was finally stymied by terrible luck. If fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher steps into a fairly solid state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Merely prudent stewardship of this talented squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't make things easy. Despite boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have often been more impressive than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack the visitors who are likely to start an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.