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The former manager's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a significant letdown. Statistically speaking, his record is remarkable for all the wrong factors. During the modern top-flight period, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, or secured a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to go back to Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a manager at the club who lost a greater proportion of fixtures. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in club lore by experiencing a loss in a final to Spurs, particularly Postecoglou's side of Spurs.

Life, though, is seldom so black and white. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a team in a significantly improved position than that which he found. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck shared that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the best opposition they had encountered in some time. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is hard to argue against the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly sparked by his comments about bosses with more miserable histories—his exit was in the end hindered by atrocious luck. Had injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other essential members, he could still be in the position—possibly succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

Therefore, the interim boss Fletcher steps into a relatively stable situation. Important players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Simply prudent husbandry of this skilled squad ought to be adequate to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for next season—probably in the coveted Champions League.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Burnley, however, won't roll over. Even with boasting only twelve points and losing 3 of their previous five matches, their showings have frequently been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Parker will certainly have his squad revved up to take the game to opponents who are expected to start an starting eleven that has never played together, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 8.15pm GMT.