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Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the negative reasons. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current side of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a far better condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing United as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. The football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—his demise was in the end stymied by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he might remain in the job—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid situation. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, but, will not roll over. Despite having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side fired up to get after opponents who are set to start an lineup that has never played together, set up in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.