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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, or secured a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, but, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a club in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in a long time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—his demise was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. Had injuries to key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he may still be in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Merely sensible management of this skilled squad is expected to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to take the game to United who are set to field an XI that has never played together, set up in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.