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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the negative reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, or secured a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically the current iteration of the North London club.

The game, however, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a far better position than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about superiors with more miserable records—Amorim's exit was ultimately hampered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he may still be in the role—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive situation. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible husbandry of this talented squad should be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only a dozen points and losing 3 of their most recent five games, their showings have frequently been stronger than the outcomes indicate. Boss Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to start an lineup that has never played together, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.