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The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his results is remarkable for all the wrong causes. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, or managed a standing as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return 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 infamously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, however, is not often that simple. Despite the negative press of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a much stronger state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had faced in some time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—Amorim's exit was in the end hampered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal figures, he might remain in the position—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a fairly positive situation. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Merely sensible management of this talented group should be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Burnley, though, will not roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his team pumped up to attack United who are set to start an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a system they have not used for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.