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Ruben Amorim's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the poor causes. During the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor secured a final position as low as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he famously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, though, is rarely so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a long time. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding executives with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by atrocious fortune. If the absence of vital players not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he could remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable situation. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent husbandry of this skilled squad ought to be adequate to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Test

The home side, however, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five outings, their performances have often been better than the results indicate. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to take the game to United who are expected to field an XI that has never played together, set up in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.