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Ruben Amorim's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a larger share of games. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current side of the North London club.

The game, though, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, Amorim leaves behind a team in a far better position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing United as the most impressive side they had faced in a while. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is tough to dispute the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable histories—Amorim's demise was in the end hindered by atrocious fortune. If the absence of vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he could remain in the job—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a reasonably solid situation. Key figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Just prudent management of this talented roster ought to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, though, will not be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their showings have at times been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are set to play an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.