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Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the wrong factors. In the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, nor managed a standing as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he famously secured a place in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, but, is not often that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved position than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is tough to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—his exit was in the end stymied by awful luck. Had the absence of crucial stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal members, he might still be in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the African tournament. Just sensible stewardship of this gifted roster is expected to be adequate to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

The home side, though, won't make things easy. Despite boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their performances have at times been better than the results indicate. Boss Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.