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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a notable letdown. Statistically speaking, his results stands out for all the poor factors. In the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has recorded a lower points average, nor managed a standing as poor as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he famously etched his name in club lore by enduring a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's side of the North London club.

The game, however, is seldom so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a team in a significantly improved position than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a victory over Brighton, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were hailing their opponents as the finest opposition they had played against in some time. Their performance in a thrilling high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Even though it is hard to dispute the termination—especially given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of executives with poorer records—his demise was finally hampered by atrocious fortune. Had the absence of vital personnel not coincided with the loss of other essential individuals, he may remain in the position—perhaps thriving.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Darren Fletcher takes over a reasonably stable state of affairs. Star players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Merely careful stewardship of this talented roster should be sufficient to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental competition for the following term—in all likelihood in the prestigious European Cup.

Burnley's Daunting Challenge

Burnley, but, will not make things easy. Even with boasting only a dozen points and having lost 3 of their previous five games, their showings have at times been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Manager Scott Parker will undoubtedly have his team revved up to take the game to United who are expected to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have gone without for a year or more.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.