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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, or managed a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, but, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a far better condition than that which he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the best team they had encountered in a long time. The football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to dispute the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about superiors with poorer records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important figures, he might remain in the position—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a fairly stable state of affairs. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled squad is expected to be adequate to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Burnley, however, won't be a pushover. Although having only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been better than the results suggest. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are set to field an XI that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.