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The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the negative factors. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or achieved a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, particularly the current iteration of the North London club.

The game, but, is not often so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding their opponents as the finest opposition they had faced in some time. The play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding executives with poorer records—Amorim's exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of vital personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential individuals, he might remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Just prudent stewardship of this talented group ought to be adequate to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Burnley, though, won't be a pushover. Although boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to get after the visitors who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.