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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the poor reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current iteration of Tottenham.

The game, but, is seldom that simple. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a far better position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive side they had faced in some time. The football in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to contest the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his comments about superiors with more miserable records—his demise was finally hindered by awful fortune. If injuries to crucial players not coincided with the absence of other pivotal members, he might still be in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent management of this skilled group should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not roll over. Despite having only 12 points and having lost three of their most recent five matches, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack opponents who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.