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The former manager's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a major failure. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the poor reasons. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor managed a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current version of the North London club.

Football, though, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, Amorim leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best team they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Although it is difficult to dispute the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of executives with more miserable records—his demise was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. If the absence of crucial stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential members, he could still be in the role—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid scenario. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Simply sensible stewardship of this talented roster should be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and losing 3 of their most recent five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after United who are set to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.