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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. By any measure, his results stands out for all the poor causes. Throughout the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, or managed a final position as low as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly the current version of Spurs.

Football, though, is rarely so black and white. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had encountered in a while. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

Although it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of superiors with more miserable histories—his demise was in the end hindered by terrible luck. If injuries to key players not coincided with the absence of other pivotal figures, he might still be in the role—possibly thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this talented group should be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

The home side, but, will not make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five matches, their displays have at times been more impressive than the results suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his team revved up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to start an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.