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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the negative causes. During the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, nor secured a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

Football, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he departs from a squad in a much stronger position than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the best side they had faced in some time. Their play in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer histories—his demise was finally stymied by terrible fortune. If injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the absence of other important individuals, he might still be in the job—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible stewardship of this talented roster is expected to be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to attack United who are likely to play an XI that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.