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The former manager's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. By any measure, his results is remarkable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or secured a final position as low as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Moreover, he famously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his favored system, he leaves behind a squad in a far better state than that which he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck relayed that teammates were hailing their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a long time. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his criticism of superiors with even worse histories—his exit was ultimately hampered by awful luck. Had injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he could remain in the position—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably positive situation. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this gifted squad ought to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five matches, their performances have at times been better than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his side pumped up to take the game to United who are expected to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.