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The former manager's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable failure. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative factors. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current iteration of Tottenham.

The game, though, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, Amorim departs from a team in a much stronger position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in some time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and exhilarating.

While it is hard to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse track records—Amorim's exit was ultimately hampered by terrible luck. Had the absence of crucial personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential figures, he may remain in the position—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably positive situation. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Simply sensible husbandry of this talented group is expected to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not roll over. Even with having only twelve points and losing three of their most recent five matches, their displays have often been more impressive than the outcomes show. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to get after United who are set to start an XI that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.