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The former manager's time at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or managed a league finish as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, particularly the current side of the North London club.

Football, though, is seldom that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best side they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

Even though it is tough to argue against the termination—particularly given it was said to be caused by his criticism of superiors with more miserable records—Amorim's demise was in the end stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he may remain in the role—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive situation. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this talented squad ought to be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, but, won't be a pushover. Even with boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their last five outings, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to United who are set to play an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.