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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a major failure. Statistically speaking, his results is remarkable for all the poor causes. During the modern top-flight period, no United manager has achieved a worse points return, nor secured a final position as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he notoriously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a final loss to Tottenham, namely Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

The game, though, is rarely that simple. Regardless of the negative press of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a squad in a far better position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the finest team they had faced in a long time. Their performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exciting.

Although it is difficult to argue against the termination—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about bosses with poorer records—his demise was finally hindered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key players not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal members, he could remain in the role—possibly thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher takes over a relatively positive situation. Important figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will soon return from the African tournament. Just sensible management of this talented roster ought to be adequate to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental football for next season—most likely in the elite European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Task

Vincent Kompany's team, however, are unlikely to be a pushover. Even with boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been stronger than the outcomes suggest. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad revved up to take the game to United who are expected to start an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have gone without for more than a year.

Match begins: 20:15 GMT.