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Amorim's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the negative causes. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of games. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding United as the best side they had encountered in a long time. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable histories—his downfall was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to crucial personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he could remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive scenario. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful husbandry of this talented group is expected to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

The home side, though, won't be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their performances have often been better than the results indicate. Head coach Parker will surely have his team revved up to get after the visitors who are likely to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.