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Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the wrong causes. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, though, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a team in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in a while. The play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

While it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable records—his exit was ultimately hampered by awful luck. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential individuals, he might still be in the role—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this talented roster should be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their most recent five outings, their displays have at times been better than the outcomes indicate. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are expected to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.