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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a notable disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the poor reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, or achieved a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of games. Furthermore, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Spurs, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, though, is rarely that simple. Despite the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a club in a much stronger position than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the best team they had encountered in a while. Their football in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—his exit was ultimately stymied by terrible fortune. Had injuries to key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he might still be in the role—perhaps even.

Fresh Start for United

Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Important figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Simply sensible stewardship of this skilled group is expected to be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, European football for next season—most likely in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Burnley, however, are unlikely to roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their displays have at times been stronger than the scorelines show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to attack United who are likely to play an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a formation they have not used for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.