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Amorim's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. During the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a worse points return, or achieved a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by suffering a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, but, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a far better position than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in a while. The football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

While it is tough to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about executives with poorer track records—his downfall was finally stymied by atrocious luck. Had injuries to vital stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may remain in the job—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable scenario. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the Afcon. Simply careful husbandry of this skilled roster ought to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to roll over. Although having only twelve points and suffering defeats in 3 of their previous five games, their showings have at times been stronger than the results show. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are likely to start an XI that has never played together, set up in a setup they have been denied for a year or more.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.