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The former manager's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the wrong causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically the current side of Spurs.

The game, though, is seldom so straightforward. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, Amorim departs from a team in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the finest side they had faced in a long time. Their performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both promising and thrilling.

While it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about executives with poorer histories—his exit was finally stymied by awful luck. Had injuries to key stars not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he might still be in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher takes over a relatively solid situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply sensible management of this skilled roster is expected to be sufficient to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Burnley, however, will not be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their displays have often been more impressive than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to get after the visitors who are set to play an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a formation they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.