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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a major letdown. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the wrong factors. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a final position as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, though, is rarely that simple. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in some time. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about executives with even worse histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious luck. If the absence of vital players not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he may remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled group should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five outings, their performances have at times been stronger than the results show. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to attack the visitors who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.