🔗 Share this article

The former manager's spell at the Red Devils is considered by many to have been a major disappointment. Statistically speaking, his performance is remarkable for all the poor reasons. In the Premier League era, no United manager has managed fewer points per game, nor secured a league finish as poor as 15th place. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a manager at the club who lost a larger share of games. Moreover, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham Hotspur, specifically Postecoglou's version of the North London club.

Football, however, is seldom so black and white. Despite the negative press of his favored system, he leaves behind a squad in a significantly improved state than the one he found. Earlier this season, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the finest team they had encountered in a while. Their play in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and exciting.

Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—especially given it was reportedly triggered by his remarks regarding executives with poorer track records—his demise was in the end hindered by awful luck. Had fitness issues for crucial personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other important individuals, he may remain in the position—maybe thriving.

Fresh Start for United

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a reasonably stable scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will shortly rejoin from the African tournament. Simply prudent stewardship of this skilled squad should be sufficient to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental football for the following term—most likely in the coveted UEFA Champions League.

Burnley's Tough Challenge

Burnley, however, will not make things easy. Even with having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five matches, their performances have at times been stronger than the scorelines suggest. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad fired up to get after opponents who are expected to start an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a setup they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8:15 in the evening GMT.