🔗 Share this article

The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. Looking at the numbers, his performance stands out for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed a lower points average, nor secured a league finish as poor as the 15th spot. Examining the archives, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

Football, though, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a club in a much stronger condition than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck shared that his colleagues were lauding United as the best team they had played against in a while. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Although it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about bosses with even worse histories—his downfall was finally hampered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for crucial stars not coincided with the absence of other essential members, he may still be in the position—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable scenario. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the Afcon. Merely sensible management of this talented group should be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—in all likelihood in the elite UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, though, won't roll over. Although having only a dozen points and having lost three of their previous five games, their showings have at times been more impressive than the outcomes suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to attack the visitors who are likely to field an XI that has not had time to gel, arranged in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.