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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the poor reasons. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, or achieved a league finish as disappointing 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 greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

The game, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the finest side they had played against in some time. The play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—his exit was in the end stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important individuals, he might remain in the role—possibly even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive scenario. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this talented roster should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five games, their displays have at times been more impressive than the results indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.