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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the wrong factors. In the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, or achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, though, is not often so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a team in a far better state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the finest opposition they had faced in some time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is tough to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was said to be triggered by his comments about superiors with more miserable histories—his downfall was in the end stymied by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important members, he could still be in the job—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive state of affairs. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible management of this skilled group ought to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five matches, their showings have at times been better than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will certainly have his side revved up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.