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The former manager's spell at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major letdown. Statistically speaking, his record is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, nor secured a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the scrutiny of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a squad in a far better condition than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Although it is tough to contest the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—his demise was in the end hindered by terrible luck. Had fitness issues for key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other essential individuals, he might remain in the role—maybe thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively positive situation. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Merely careful management of this skilled squad should be enough to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Test

Burnley, though, will not be a pushover. Even with having only 12 points and losing three of their last five matches, their showings have at times been better than the outcomes show. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to get after the visitors who are set to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.