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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils has been labeled a major disappointment. By any measure, his record is notable for all the negative factors. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor secured a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Spurs, particularly the current version of Tottenham.

Life, but, is seldom so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a club in a far better condition than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in a while. The performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Although it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with even worse track records—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other important figures, he could still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled squad should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Burnley, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their performances have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to get after United who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.