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The former manager's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the wrong reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor secured a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, though, is not often that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were praising their opponents as the best opposition they had played against in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of superiors with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by terrible luck. If injuries to vital personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he may still be in the role—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible husbandry of this gifted roster should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Burnley, however, will not make things easy. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five games, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes show. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to take the game to United who are set to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.