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Amorim's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor managed a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a far better position than that which he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in some time. The play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Although it is tough to dispute the termination—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about executives with poorer track records—his demise was finally stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the job—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively solid scenario. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible stewardship of this skilled squad is expected to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Burnley, though, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their displays have at times been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to attack United who are set to field an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.