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The former manager's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable failure. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the wrong reasons. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has recorded a lower points average, or achieved a league finish as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, 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 notoriously secured a place in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

The game, but, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the scrutiny of his favored system, he exits a squad in a much stronger state than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the most impressive team they had faced in a long time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

Although it is tough to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about superiors with even worse records—his demise was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. If injuries to key stars not occurred alongside the unavailability of other pivotal individuals, he may still be in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a reasonably solid state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Afcon. Just careful stewardship of this skilled squad ought to be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the following term—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Formidable Test

The home side, but, will not make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and having lost three of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his team fired up to take the game to United who are set to play an XI that has never played together, deployed in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.