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Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, or secured a final position as poor as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

Life, however, is not often that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a much stronger state than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best team they had faced in a while. The play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about superiors with even worse records—Amorim's downfall was finally stymied by awful fortune. Had injuries to key personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other important figures, he might remain in the position—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a relatively positive situation. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled roster should be enough to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't roll over. Despite having only twelve points and losing three of their previous five matches, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines indicate. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to attack the visitors who are likely to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.