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The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the negative factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as poor as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, however, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a far better state than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding United as the best side they had played against in some time. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Although it is difficult to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hampered by terrible fortune. If the absence of crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential members, he may still be in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted group ought to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their showings have frequently been stronger than the results indicate. Manager Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack United who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.