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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford has been labeled a major disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the Premier League era, no United manager has recorded fewer points per game, or managed a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, but, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, he exits a team in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising United as the finest side they had encountered in a while. Their performance in a exhilarating high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is tough to dispute the termination—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about superiors with poorer records—his demise was finally hindered by awful fortune. If the absence of vital players not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal members, he could remain in the position—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively positive state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful stewardship of this skilled group is expected to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, but, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing three of their previous five games, their displays have often been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side revved up to get after United who are set to play an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have gone without for over a year.

Start time: 20:15 GMT.