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The former manager's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or managed a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically the current iteration of Spurs.

Life, though, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim exits a club in a significantly improved state than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the finest opposition they had faced in some time. The play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with poorer records—his exit was finally stymied by awful luck. If injuries to vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other important individuals, he may still be in the role—maybe even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively solid scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely careful management of this skilled squad should be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and losing three of their most recent five outings, their showings have at times been better than the outcomes indicate. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to get after the visitors who are expected to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

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