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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the poor reasons. In the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or managed a standing as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

The game, however, is seldom that simple. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger condition than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the finest side they had faced in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately hampered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for crucial players not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal figures, he may still be in the job—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this gifted group should be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Burnley, however, are unlikely to roll over. Although boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their performances have often been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.