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The former manager's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the wrong factors. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or managed a standing as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, though, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a far better condition than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the best side they had faced in a long time. The play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of executives with more miserable records—Amorim's downfall was in the end hindered by awful fortune. If the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal members, he could remain in the role—perhaps succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly positive scenario. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Merely careful management of this talented squad should be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to roll over. Despite having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their showings have frequently been stronger than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an lineup that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

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