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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his record stands out for all the poor causes. In the Premier League era, no United manager has achieved fewer points per game, or achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in club lore by enduring a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Football, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a significantly improved state than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that teammates were lauding United as the best side they had played against in a long time. Their performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exciting.

While it is difficult to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be sparked by his comments about executives with poorer histories—his exit was finally hampered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he may remain in the job—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a relatively solid scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Merely careful husbandry of this talented roster ought to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Formidable Task

Burnley, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have often been better than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will surely have his team revved up to take the game to opponents who are set to start an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a formation they have not used for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.