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The former manager's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the wrong factors. During the Premier League era, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Football, though, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a much stronger condition than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing United as the best team they had played against in some time. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was ultimately hindered by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the job—maybe succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a relatively solid scenario. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Afcon. Just careful management of this talented roster should be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Burnley, however, won't make things easy. Even with having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been better than the results suggest. Head coach Parker will surely have his side pumped up to get after opponents who are expected to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.