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Amorim's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor achieved a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he famously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best opposition they had faced in a while. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about bosses with even worse track records—his demise was finally stymied by awful luck. If injuries to crucial personnel not coincided with the loss of other pivotal figures, he may still be in the job—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid scenario. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this skilled group should be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for next season—probably in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Task

Burnley, but, will not roll over. Although having only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five outings, their displays have at times been better than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team fired up to take the game to United who are likely to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.