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Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, however, is seldom so black and white. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a far better position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest team they had played against in a long time. The play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with poorer records—Amorim's exit was finally hampered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might remain in the position—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a relatively solid scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled roster should be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to roll over. Although boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their displays have often been better than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his side pumped up to get after the visitors who are expected to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.