The Clarets Take On Man United in Crucial Top-Flight Encounter

The former manager's tenure at the Red Devils was widely regarded as a notable disappointment. By any measure, his results is notable for all the negative reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, or secured a final position as low as the 15th spot. Delving further back, you have to return to Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of fixtures. Moreover, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by enduring a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Ange Postecoglou's version of Spurs.

Football, though, is seldom so black and white. In spite of the criticism of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a squad in a much stronger condition than the one he took over. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck relayed that his colleagues were hailing United as the best opposition they had played against in some time. The performance in a thrilling four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was both promising and exciting.

While it is hard to dispute the decision to sack him—especially given it was reportedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with even worse track records—his exit was in the end stymied by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for vital stars not occurred alongside the absence of other important figures, he might remain in the position—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Consequently, Fletcher steps into a fairly positive state of affairs. Key players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future return from the African tournament. Simply sensible stewardship of this gifted squad should be sufficient to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European football for the following term—most likely in the coveted Champions League.

The Clarets' Tough Challenge

Burnley, though, won't roll over. Despite having only 12 points and losing three of their last five games, their showings have often been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Boss Parker will surely have his squad pumped up to get after the visitors who are likely to field an lineup that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have been denied for over a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.