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Amorim's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of games. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current version of Spurs.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger state than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the best team they had faced in a while. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—Amorim's downfall was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. If the absence of key personnel not coincided with the loss of other important individuals, he might still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Merely careful stewardship of this skilled roster should be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and losing 3 of their most recent five matches, their performances have at times been better than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.