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Amorim's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the poor factors. During the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of games. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, however, is not often so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a squad in a much stronger state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in a while. The performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is hard to dispute the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of executives with more miserable track records—his demise was in the end stymied by atrocious luck. Had the absence of key stars not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he might still be in the job—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably stable situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Simply sensible husbandry of this gifted squad ought to be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

The home side, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Even with having only a dozen points and losing three of their last five matches, their showings have frequently been better than the results suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his side revved up to take the game to United who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.