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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the poor reasons. During the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, nor secured a standing as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, but, is not often so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a club in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the finest opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by terrible luck. If the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal members, he might remain in the position—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive scenario. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Simply sensible management of this talented group ought to be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't roll over. Despite boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their showings have often been better than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to take the game to United who are expected to play an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.