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Ruben Amorim's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a larger share of matches. Additionally, he famously secured a place in club lore by enduring a final loss to Spurs, specifically the current side of Tottenham.

Life, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising United as the best opposition they had played against in some time. Their play in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

While it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer histories—his exit was in the end stymied by awful luck. Had injuries to key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other essential individuals, he may remain in the job—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable situation. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible husbandry of this gifted roster should be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

The home side, though, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their showings have often been better than the results indicate. Manager Parker will surely have his side fired up to take the game to the visitors who are set to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.