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The former manager's time at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a major failure. By any measure, his results is notable for all the wrong causes. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has achieved a lower points average, or achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, but, is rarely so black and white. Despite the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved condition than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had encountered in a long time. Their play in a breathtaking four-all stalemate with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

While it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with even worse track records—his exit was in the end stymied by terrible luck. If injuries to crucial personnel not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential individuals, he could still be in the job—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just prudent husbandry of this gifted squad is expected to be enough to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Test

Burnley, however, are unlikely to roll over. Even with boasting only twelve points and having lost three of their last five matches, their displays have at times been more impressive than the outcomes show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his side pumped up to get after United who are set to field an XI that has never played together, deployed in a setup they have gone without for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.