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Amorim's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, specifically Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Football, though, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his tactical approach, Amorim exits a club in a much stronger position than that which he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest side they had played against in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his comments about bosses with more miserable histories—his downfall was finally stymied by awful luck. If injuries to key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the role—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive scenario. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this skilled squad ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Burnley, though, are unlikely to make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their showings have at times been better than the outcomes suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his team pumped up to attack the visitors who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.