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Amorim's time at Manchester United has been labeled a notable letdown. By any measure, his results stands out for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Life, however, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were hailing United as the most impressive team they had faced in a while. The football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful fortune. Had the absence of crucial personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the job—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Just sensible husbandry of this gifted squad ought to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have frequently been better than the outcomes indicate. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his team revved up to attack United who are likely to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.