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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant letdown. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or secured a final position as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a club in a far better position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the best opposition they had encountered in some time. The performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with poorer records—his demise was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. Had injuries to crucial players not happened at the same time as the loss of other important members, he might still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively stable situation. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Merely careful stewardship of this talented roster is expected to be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Burnley, however, won't roll over. Although having only a dozen points and losing three of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack the visitors who are set to field an lineup that has never played together, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.