🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the poor factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, or managed a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, though, is rarely so straightforward. In spite of the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he exits a club in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in some time. Their performance in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the termination—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—his demise was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. Had injuries to vital personnel not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal members, he might still be in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted roster is expected to be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not be a pushover. Although having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their showings have often been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to take the game to opponents who are expected to start an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, set up in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.