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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the negative reasons. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or managed a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, but, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a far better state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest team they had encountered in some time. Their play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Although it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about superiors with poorer histories—his demise was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to crucial personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the role—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful stewardship of this gifted squad ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for next season—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been better than the results suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to take the game to United who are expected to field an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.