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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong causes. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor secured a standing as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly the current iteration of Spurs.

The game, though, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a far better position than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had encountered in a while. The performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of superiors with poorer track records—his demise was in the end hampered by terrible fortune. If the absence of key personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential individuals, he might remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful stewardship of this skilled group ought to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and losing 3 of their last five games, their showings have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.