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Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major failure. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. During the Premier League era, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, or secured a standing as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, however, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved position than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best team they had faced in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with even worse records—Amorim's demise was in the end hindered by terrible fortune. If the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he may still be in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Merely prudent husbandry of this talented group should be enough to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, however, will not roll over. Despite boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five matches, their showings have at times been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack opponents who are expected to start an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.