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The former manager's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative causes. During the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a far better state than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about executives with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was ultimately hindered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the absence of other important members, he could remain in the position—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly stable state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful husbandry of this talented group is expected to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, will not make things easy. Despite having only twelve points and losing three of their last five outings, their performances have frequently been better than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will certainly have his side fired up to get after opponents who are expected to play an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.