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The former manager's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant failure. Statistically speaking, his performance stands out for all the negative factors. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a final position as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously etched his name in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly the current version of the North London club.

Football, but, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a far better state than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in some time. The performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Although it is hard to contest the dismissal—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of superiors with poorer track records—Amorim's exit was in the end hampered by terrible luck. If the absence of key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other essential individuals, he could remain in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Merely sensible stewardship of this talented group should be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have at times been better than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack United who are expected to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

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