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Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the negative causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or secured a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a squad in a much stronger position than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest team they had faced in some time. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about executives with even worse track records—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by atrocious luck. If the absence of vital stars not coincided with the loss of other pivotal members, he might still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly stable situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply prudent stewardship of this skilled squad should be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five matches, their showings have at times been more impressive than the results indicate. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his squad pumped up to get after United who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.