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Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the wrong factors. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, nor secured a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of games. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, though, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim departs from a team in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had faced in some time. The play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hampered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he may still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply careful husbandry of this skilled roster ought to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't make things easy. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their displays have at times been better than the results suggest. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to take the game to United who are expected to field an XI that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.