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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the poor factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or secured a final position as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he famously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

The game, however, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he departs from a team in a far better position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. The football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

While it is tough to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of bosses with poorer records—Amorim's demise was in the end hindered by awful luck. If fitness issues for crucial players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important individuals, he could still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly positive state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Simply sensible husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

Burnley, though, will not make things easy. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes show. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have gone without for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.