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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, namely the current iteration of the North London club.

Life, but, is rarely that simple. Despite the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the most impressive side they had encountered in some time. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Although it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with even worse records—his downfall was finally hindered by terrible luck. If injuries to vital stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might remain in the job—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a fairly positive scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely sensible management of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their performances have often been better than the outcomes show. Manager Parker will surely have his team pumped up to get after the visitors who are set to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.