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The former manager's time at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable letdown. Looking at the numbers, his results is remarkable for all the poor factors. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, nor achieved a final position as low as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a higher percentage of games. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by experiencing a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, particularly Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

The game, though, is not often that simple. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a club in a significantly improved position than the one he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising United as the finest team they had faced in some time. The play in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling.

Although it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with even worse track records—his exit was finally hindered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to crucial players not happened at the same time as the loss of other pivotal individuals, he might still be in the job—possibly succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Key figures like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the African tournament. Just sensible stewardship of this gifted group is expected to be sufficient to secure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the following term—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Burnley, but, won't make things easy. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five outings, their performances have at times been more impressive than the scorelines suggest. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side fired up to take the game to the visitors who are expected to start an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have not used for a year or more.

Match begins: 8:15 in the evening GMT.