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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the poor causes. In the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, or secured a final position as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Life, though, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a squad in a significantly improved state than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising United as the finest side they had played against in some time. The play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable histories—Amorim's exit was finally hindered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for vital personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the job—maybe thriving.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Merely sensible management of this talented squad should be sufficient to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Although boasting only a dozen points and losing three of their most recent five outings, their performances have frequently been stronger than the scorelines show. Head coach Parker will surely have his side pumped up to attack opponents who are likely to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.