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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. In the contemporary football age, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Furthermore, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by suffering a loss in a final to Tottenham, particularly the current version of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a team in a far better position than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive side they had faced in some time. Their football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse histories—his demise was finally stymied by terrible luck. If fitness issues for key players not happened at the same time as the loss of other important figures, he could still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the African tournament. Just sensible stewardship of this skilled squad ought to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, however, will not make things easy. Despite boasting only a dozen points and losing 3 of their most recent five outings, their performances have often been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side fired up to attack the visitors who are set to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a formation they have been denied for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.