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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the poor reasons. During the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a standing as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, but, is not often that simple. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, Amorim departs from a squad in a much stronger position than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding United as the most impressive team they had played against in some time. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is tough to contest the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer track records—his demise was finally stymied by atrocious fortune. If fitness issues for key players not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might remain in the role—maybe thriving.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent management of this skilled squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, though, won't make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have often been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to get after the visitors who are likely to start an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.