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The former manager's time at Manchester United has been labeled a significant letdown. By any measure, his record is notable for all the negative reasons. During the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has managed a worse points return, nor managed a final position as poor as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Moreover, he famously secured a place in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

Life, however, is seldom that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, he exits a squad in a much stronger state than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were lauding United as the best team they had faced in some time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Although it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—his demise was finally stymied by awful luck. Had the absence of vital stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other important members, he may remain in the position—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a fairly positive scenario. Important players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Simply careful husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and having lost three of their last five matches, their performances have often been more impressive than the scorelines show. Boss Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his side revved up to get after United who are set to field an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.