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The former manager's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the poor factors. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he famously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, specifically the current side of Spurs.

Life, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a team in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the finest team they had played against in a while. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—Amorim's exit was in the end hindered by awful luck. Had injuries to crucial players not coincided with the loss of other important individuals, he could remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly solid situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply careful husbandry of this skilled roster ought to be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Burnley, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their showings have frequently been stronger than the results suggest. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

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