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The former manager's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. By any measure, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Football, though, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved condition than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the finest team they had encountered in some time. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse track records—Amorim's exit was finally stymied by atrocious fortune. If the absence of key players not coincided with the loss of other pivotal individuals, he might still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a fairly positive state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Merely prudent management of this talented squad ought to be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five games, their showings have often been better than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to take the game to the visitors who are likely to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.