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Amorim's time at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the poor factors. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of the North London club.

Life, but, is seldom so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, he departs from a team in a much stronger condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the finest team they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer records—his downfall was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. If fitness issues for key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might remain in the job—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Even with having only twelve points and losing three of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been better than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his side pumped up to get after opponents who are likely to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.