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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a lower points average, or managed a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly the current side of Spurs.

The game, however, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, he exits a club in a much stronger position than the one he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding United as the finest team they had faced in some time. Their play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is tough to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about superiors with even worse records—his downfall was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to key personnel not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Simply sensible husbandry of this skilled squad is expected to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Test

Burnley, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have frequently been better than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his team fired up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.