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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. Statistically speaking, his results is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, nor secured a league finish as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a larger share of games. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely the current side of Tottenham.

Life, however, is seldom that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a squad in a significantly improved position than the one he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that fellow players were praising their opponents as the most impressive side they had played against in some time. Their football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Even though it is hard to argue against the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer track records—his downfall was in the end hindered by awful luck. Had injuries to crucial players not coincided with the absence of other essential individuals, he may remain in the job—possibly succeeding.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly stable state of affairs. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Merely prudent husbandry of this gifted group is expected to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

The home side, but, won't be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and having lost 3 of their last five games, their performances have often been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to get after United who are set to play an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8.15pm GMT.