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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant letdown. Looking at the numbers, his record is notable for all the negative causes. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor achieved a final position as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, specifically the current side of Spurs.

The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, he exits a team in a far better position than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with even worse histories—his exit was finally hindered by terrible fortune. If injuries to crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential individuals, he could still be in the position—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable situation. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Simply sensible stewardship of this talented squad is expected to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, but, will not roll over. Although having only 12 points and losing 3 of their previous five outings, their showings have at times been stronger than the results indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack United who are likely to play an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for a year or more.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.