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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong factors. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, or secured a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a final loss to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, however, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the most impressive side they had encountered in a while. The play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding executives with even worse histories—his demise was ultimately hampered by atrocious fortune. If the absence of vital players not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential members, he could still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Merely careful stewardship of this skilled group should be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, but, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only twelve points and having lost three of their most recent five outings, their displays have often been better than the scorelines show. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an lineup that has never played together, set up in a setup they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.