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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the negative factors. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, or achieved a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Football, but, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger position than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse track records—his demise was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for key personnel not occurred alongside the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he could remain in the position—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful management of this talented roster should be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—most likely in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Burnley, however, will not make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five matches, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the scorelines show. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side fired up to get after opponents who are set to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.