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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. In the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as low 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 higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he famously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, though, is not often so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a far better condition than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of bosses with more miserable track records—his downfall was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for vital players not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential individuals, he might still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Fletcher steps into a fairly positive state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just prudent husbandry of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to guarantee a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

The home side, however, will not be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five matches, their showings have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his team fired up to attack opponents who are expected to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.