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Amorim's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, nor secured a final position as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a much stronger state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the best opposition they had played against in a long time. Their play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by awful luck. Had fitness issues for vital stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other important figures, he might still be in the position—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable situation. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Merely prudent stewardship of this skilled group should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Task

The home side, though, will not roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their displays have often been stronger than the outcomes show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his team revved up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.