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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a club in a much stronger state than the one he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. The performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Although it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was allegedly caused by his comments about bosses with even worse records—his exit was ultimately hampered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for crucial players not coincided with the loss of other pivotal figures, he may remain in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Just sensible management of this gifted group should be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not be a pushover. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have often been better than the scorelines show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to get after the visitors who are expected to field an lineup that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.