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The former manager's tenure at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his results stands out for all the negative causes. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has achieved a worse points return, nor achieved a standing as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to revisit the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who was defeated in a greater proportion of matches. Moreover, he infamously carved a niche in club lore by enduring a final loss to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's iteration of Spurs.

The game, however, is rarely so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his favored system, the Portuguese manager leaves behind a squad in a far better position than the one he found. Months ago, following a win against Brighton, Welbeck reported that fellow players were praising United as the best opposition they had played against in some time. The performance in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with AFC Bournemouth was both hopeful and exhilarating.

Although it is difficult to dispute the termination—especially given it was said to be triggered by his criticism of bosses with even worse track records—his exit was ultimately hampered by atrocious fortune. Had injuries to vital personnel not happened at the same time as the unavailability of other important figures, he could still be in the job—maybe even.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the African tournament. Simply sensible husbandry of this gifted squad is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, but, won't be a pushover. Although having only a dozen points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their showings have often been stronger than the results indicate. Boss Parker will certainly have his side pumped up to take the game to opponents who are expected to start an XI that has not had time to gel, set up in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.