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Amorim's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the wrong causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, nor secured a final position as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, but, is not often so black and white. Despite the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a club in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding United as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about executives with poorer track records—Amorim's demise was ultimately hindered by atrocious luck. Had the absence of crucial stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the role—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted group ought to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—most likely in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't roll over. Although having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five matches, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to attack opponents who are expected to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.