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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong causes. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor managed a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he notoriously secured a place in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly the current side of Tottenham.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the criticism of his favored system, he exits a squad in a much stronger position than the one he found. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding United as the most impressive team they had encountered in a while. The performance in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding executives with even worse histories—his exit was finally hindered by terrible fortune. If fitness issues for key players not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he could still be in the job—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

As a result, Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful husbandry of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and losing 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have frequently been stronger than the results indicate. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.