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Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the wrong factors. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a lower points average, or secured a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly the current side of the North London club.

The game, though, is not often so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, he exits a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the finest side they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable track records—Amorim's demise was finally hampered by terrible fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not occurred alongside the loss of other important figures, he could still be in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply sensible stewardship of this skilled squad is expected to be enough to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, though, won't be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their performances have at times been more impressive than the results suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are set to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a setup they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.