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The former manager's time at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a notable failure. By any measure, his results is notable for all the poor causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, or secured a league finish as low as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Life, though, is rarely so black and white. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, he departs from a team in a much stronger position than the one he found. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. Their play in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Even though it is difficult to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly triggered by his comments about executives with poorer records—his exit was in the end stymied by awful luck. If the absence of key stars not occurred alongside the absence of other pivotal individuals, he might still be in the position—perhaps succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive scenario. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Merely sensible husbandry of this skilled squad ought to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Test

Burnley, however, will not be a pushover. Despite having only twelve points and having lost 3 of their last five outings, their performances have at times been stronger than the results indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his side revved up to get after the visitors who are expected to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.