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The former manager's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the wrong causes. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has managed a lower points average, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in the team's history by enduring a final loss to Spurs, particularly Ange Postecoglou's version of Tottenham.

Football, though, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the criticism of his tactical approach, he leaves behind a team in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were lauding their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had played against in a while. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is tough to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be sparked by his remarks regarding superiors with more miserable histories—his demise was ultimately hindered by terrible luck. Had the absence of vital players not coincided with the absence of other important figures, he could still be in the job—maybe even.

A New Era Begins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a fairly solid scenario. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply prudent stewardship of this talented roster is expected to be sufficient to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Task

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Although boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an XI that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.