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Ruben Amorim's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his record stands out for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a standing as low as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

The game, however, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he departs from a club in a significantly improved state than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the best side they had played against in some time. Their football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is difficult to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about bosses with poorer track records—his downfall was finally hampered by terrible luck. If injuries to crucial personnel not coincided with the absence of other pivotal figures, he could remain in the job—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a fairly solid state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible husbandry of this talented group should be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their displays have frequently been better than the outcomes suggest. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to take the game to opponents who are expected to play an starting eleven that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.