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The former manager's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the poor factors. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, though, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a club in a far better position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the finest opposition they had played against in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of executives with poorer histories—his exit was in the end hampered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for crucial players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he might remain in the role—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Simply careful husbandry of this talented roster should be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Challenge

The home side, however, won't roll over. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost three of their last five matches, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to get after opponents who are set to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.