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Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a final position as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, but, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a far better condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a while. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is hard to dispute the termination—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable track records—Amorim's downfall was finally stymied by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of key players not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he might remain in the role—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just sensible stewardship of this talented squad should be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

The home side, however, won't roll over. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five games, their showings have at times been better than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack United who are expected to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.