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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United has been labeled a significant letdown. By any measure, his record stands out for all the poor factors. Throughout the modern top-flight period, not a single Man Utd boss has managed fewer points per game, or managed a final position as low as the 15th spot. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he infamously secured a place in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, specifically the current version of Tottenham.

The game, though, is rarely so black and white. In spite of the negative press of his favored system, he departs from a team in a much stronger position than the one he inherited. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were praising their opponents as the best side they had played against in a while. Their football in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is hard to argue against the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of superiors with more miserable records—his exit was finally stymied by atrocious luck. Had fitness issues for vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important members, he may remain in the role—maybe succeeding.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Fletcher takes over a fairly solid situation. Key figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly be back from the African tournament. Just careful management of this talented group is expected to be enough to guarantee a finish in the European spots and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Task

The home side, though, won't be a pushover. Even with having only a dozen points and suffering defeats in three of their last five matches, their showings have often been better than the results show. Manager Scott Parker will surely have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are set to field an starting eleven that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have been denied for more than a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.