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Amorim's spell at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the negative causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or managed a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, but, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a far better state than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in a long time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about bosses with poorer records—his exit was ultimately stymied by awful luck. If the absence of crucial stars not coincided with the unavailability of other essential members, he might remain in the role—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Simply prudent management of this gifted squad should be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

Burnley, however, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to take the game to United who are set to field an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.