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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major failure. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the wrong reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, or achieved a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, but, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he departs from a team in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the best team they had played against in a while. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is hard to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's downfall was finally hampered by terrible fortune. Had the absence of vital stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential individuals, he may remain in the role—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly positive situation. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Merely sensible stewardship of this skilled roster ought to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Burnley, though, will not be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to take the game to opponents who are set to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.