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Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the negative factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, or managed a final position as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a team in a much stronger state than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding United as the finest opposition they had encountered in a long time. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for key personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal members, he may still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Merely careful management of this gifted group ought to be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Burnley, however, will not make things easy. Although having only a dozen points and losing three of their last five matches, their showings have frequently been better than the outcomes indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack United who are set to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.