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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, or managed a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, though, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a club in a significantly improved state than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the best team they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding executives with poorer records—his exit was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. If the absence of vital players not coincided with the loss of other important members, he may remain in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Just careful stewardship of this gifted roster should be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Burnley, though, won't make things easy. Even with having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their most recent five outings, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to get after opponents who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.