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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the wrong causes. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a greater proportion of games. Additionally, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the best opposition they had faced in a long time. Their football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

Although it is tough to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was said to be caused by his comments about superiors with more miserable histories—Amorim's demise was finally stymied by awful luck. Had injuries to vital players not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive situation. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply sensible management of this talented squad should be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

The home side, however, won't be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to attack United who are set to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.