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The former manager's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the negative reasons. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor secured a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, though, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a squad in a far better position than the one he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the finest side they had played against in some time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is tough to dispute the termination—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was finally stymied by terrible fortune. If injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the role—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid scenario. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have at times been better than the results suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his squad revved up to get after opponents who are likely to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.