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The former manager's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable failure. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the negative factors. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, or managed a standing as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Moreover, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a club in a much stronger state than the one he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding United as the best opposition they had played against in a long time. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to contest the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of superiors with poorer histories—his demise was ultimately hampered by awful fortune. If fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important figures, he could still be in the role—perhaps succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively solid situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Merely prudent husbandry of this gifted roster is expected to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Burnley, but, will not be a pushover. Although boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their previous five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to get after opponents who are expected to play an lineup that has never played together, arranged in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.