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The former manager's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the poor factors. During the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or secured a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, however, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hindered by atrocious luck. Had the absence of crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he could still be in the position—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive scenario. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted roster should be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't make things easy. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five games, their performances have at times been better than the scorelines indicate. Boss Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.