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Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable failure. By any measure, his results stands out for all the negative factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, or achieved a standing as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, however, is not often so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse histories—his exit was finally hindered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to key players not happened at the same time as the absence of other important members, he could still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful stewardship of this talented group should be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to roll over. Although having only twelve points and losing 3 of their most recent five games, their showings have frequently been better than the outcomes indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to attack the visitors who are expected to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.