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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a far better condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the finest side they had encountered in a long time. The football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

Even though it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—his demise was finally stymied by atrocious luck. If the absence of vital stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might still be in the position—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Star players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled squad ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

The home side, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only a dozen points and having lost three of their most recent five outings, their showings have frequently been stronger than the results suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to get after United who are likely to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.