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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a final position as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in a long time. The play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of executives with even worse histories—Amorim's downfall was in the end stymied by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for vital players not coincided with the unavailability of other essential members, he might remain in the position—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly positive situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Just careful stewardship of this talented squad is expected to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Test

The home side, though, are unlikely to roll over. Although having only a dozen points and having lost three of their last five games, their displays have often been more impressive than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.