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The former manager's spell at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative causes. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or secured a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, particularly the current iteration of Tottenham.

Life, though, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the criticism of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a far better state than the one he took over. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a while. Their play in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be caused by his comments about bosses with even worse track records—his exit was in the end stymied by atrocious fortune. Had fitness issues for key stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential individuals, he might remain in the job—possibly thriving.

A New Era Begins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a reasonably solid state of affairs. Important players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Just sensible management of this talented group should be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, are unlikely to roll over. Although having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their most recent five games, their displays have at times been better than the outcomes indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to get after the visitors who are expected to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.