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Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a significant letdown. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded a lower points average, or secured a final position as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, though, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a team in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be caused by his criticism of executives with poorer histories—his exit was ultimately hampered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential members, he may remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid situation. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, but, will not be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and losing three of their previous five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to attack the visitors who are likely to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.