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Amorim's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a major letdown. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the negative causes. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or managed a final position as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly the current version of Spurs.

Football, however, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were praising their opponents as the finest team they had played against in a while. Their football in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by atrocious luck. Had the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other pivotal figures, he may remain in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly solid situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful management of this gifted squad should be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are expected to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.