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The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no United manager has managed a worse points return, nor managed a standing as poor as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely the current side of the North London club.

Life, but, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a far better position than that which he inherited. Earlier this season, following a win against Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding United as the best team they had faced in some time. The football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and thrilling.

Although it is hard to argue against the termination—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about bosses with more miserable histories—his demise was in the end stymied by terrible fortune. Had the absence of vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other essential members, he might still be in the role—perhaps thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid scenario. Star figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely prudent husbandry of this talented group ought to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for next season—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't roll over. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their most recent five matches, their displays have at times been stronger than the results show. Head coach Scott Parker will surely have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are set to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a formation they have not used for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.