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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a major failure. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong reasons. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded fewer points per game, nor managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically the current version of the North London club.

Football, though, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a squad in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the finest team they had played against in some time. The football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his criticism of bosses with poorer histories—his demise was ultimately hampered by atrocious fortune. If injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he might still be in the role—possibly even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just careful management of this gifted squad ought to be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their last five games, their displays have often been better than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his team fired up to get after opponents who are set to play an starting eleven that has never played together, arranged in a formation they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.