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The former manager's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major letdown. By any measure, his results stands out for all the negative reasons. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed a lower points average, nor managed a final position as disappointing as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of matches. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham, namely the current side of the North London club.

Football, but, is not often so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a far better state than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck relayed that fellow players were lauding their opponents as the best team they had played against in a while. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating.

While it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of executives with poorer track records—his demise was ultimately stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the loss of other pivotal figures, he may still be in the job—perhaps even.

A New Era Begins

Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid situation. Star figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Just sensible husbandry of this gifted group ought to be enough to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, though, will not make things easy. Even with having only twelve points and losing three of their previous five outings, their performances have often been more impressive than the results indicate. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack the visitors who are set to start an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have not used for over a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.