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Ruben Amorim's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the poor causes. During the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger state than that which he found. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing United as the finest team they had faced in some time. The play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

Even though it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about executives with more miserable records—his exit was in the end hampered by terrible luck. Had the absence of vital players not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he may remain in the role—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a fairly stable situation. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Merely careful stewardship of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Burnley, but, are unlikely to roll over. Despite having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their displays have frequently been more impressive than the results indicate. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to get after United who are expected to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.