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The former manager's spell at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his performance is notable for all the negative reasons. During the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a worse points return, nor managed a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Additionally, he infamously carved a niche in United's annals by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, specifically Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

The game, however, is rarely that simple. In spite of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager exits a team in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, the striker Welbeck reported that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the finest team they had faced in some time. The football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Even though it is tough to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was allegedly triggered by his comments about executives with more miserable track records—his downfall was finally hampered by terrible luck. If fitness issues for crucial stars not occurred alongside the absence of other essential individuals, he could still be in the role—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a fairly solid situation. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Simply careful stewardship of this gifted roster should be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for next season—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, are unlikely to make things easy. Despite having only 12 points and having lost three of their last five outings, their showings have often been stronger than the outcomes show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his team pumped up to attack the visitors who are set to field an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have been denied for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.