🔗 Share this article

The former manager's time at the Red Devils has been labeled a significant disappointment. By any measure, his performance is notable for all the wrong causes. Throughout the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or secured a league finish as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he famously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, specifically the current version of the North London club.

Life, though, is seldom so straightforward. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, he departs from a team in a far better position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck shared that teammates were hailing their opponents as the most impressive team they had played against in a long time. The football in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally hopeful and exhilarating.

While it is difficult to contest the decision to sack him—particularly given it was said to be triggered by his comments about bosses with poorer histories—his demise was in the end stymied by terrible luck. Had injuries to vital stars not coincided with the unavailability of other important individuals, he might remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a relatively positive scenario. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will soon rejoin from the Africa Cup of Nations. Simply careful husbandry of this skilled roster ought to be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for next season—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Task

The home side, however, will not roll over. Although having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their performances have frequently been stronger than the outcomes show. Head coach Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to attack opponents who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, arranged in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.