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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the poor causes. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, nor managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. 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 matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, however, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a far better condition than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing United as the best opposition they had encountered in a while. Their football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to contest the termination—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hampered by awful luck. If injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the loss of other important members, he might remain in the position—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a relatively stable situation. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Simply careful management of this skilled roster should be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the outcomes show. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack opponents who are expected to start an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.