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The former manager's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. By any measure, his performance is remarkable for all the negative causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, or secured a final position as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, though, is not often that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim leaves behind a team in a significantly improved state than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the finest side they had encountered in some time. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be triggered by his comments about executives with poorer records—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by awful fortune. Had injuries to vital stars not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he might still be in the role—perhaps succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent stewardship of this gifted group should be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, though, will not make things easy. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five games, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the results show. Manager Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.