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The former manager's time at Manchester United has been labeled a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his performance is notable for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as disappointing as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's side of Tottenham.

The game, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the criticism of his tactical approach, he exits a team in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. Months ago, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were praising their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The performance in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his comments about bosses with more miserable histories—his demise was finally hindered by terrible fortune. If injuries to vital players not occurred alongside the unavailability of other important figures, he might remain in the role—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively solid situation. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly return from the Afcon. Just prudent management of this gifted squad ought to be adequate to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and suffering defeats in 3 of their last five games, their displays have frequently been stronger than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to attack the visitors who are set to field an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.