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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable failure. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. In the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, or secured a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a far better state than that which he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in some time. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Although it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with even worse histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately hindered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial players not coincided with the unavailability of other essential members, he might still be in the job—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Simply careful management of this talented group should be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to start an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.