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Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant failure. By any measure, his results stands out for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

The game, however, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding United as the finest opposition they had played against in a while. Their play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his downfall was in the end hampered by awful fortune. If the absence of key stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other important figures, he might still be in the job—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible husbandry of this gifted roster should be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for next season—probably in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and having lost three of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his side fired up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to play an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.