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Amorim's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the poor causes. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, or secured a final position 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 was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current iteration of Spurs.

Football, however, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in some time. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about executives with more miserable records—his downfall was in the end stymied by awful luck. Had injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other important members, he could still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively stable situation. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful management of this skilled roster ought to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

The home side, however, will not make things easy. Despite having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five outings, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after the visitors who are set to field an lineup that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.