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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford has been labeled a major disappointment. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the poor reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has recorded a lower points average, 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 United boss who was defeated in a larger share of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Tottenham.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a significantly improved condition than the one he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were hailing United as the finest side they had faced in some time. Their play in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

While it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with more miserable records—his demise was ultimately hindered by atrocious luck. If fitness issues for crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the loss of other essential figures, he may still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Merely prudent management of this skilled group should be enough to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—in all likelihood in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

The home side, however, will not make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five matches, their displays have often been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are likely to field an XI that has never played together, deployed in a formation they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.