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The former manager's time at Old Trafford was widely regarded as a major failure. By any measure, his record is remarkable for all the wrong reasons. In the contemporary football age, no boss at the club has recorded a worse points return, or secured a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who was defeated in a larger share of matches. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in United's annals by suffering a loss in a final to Spurs, namely the current iteration of Spurs.

Life, however, is rarely so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his favored system, he exits a club in a far better state than that which he took over. Months ago, following a defeat of Brighton, the striker Welbeck shared that his colleagues were hailing United as the finest team they had played against in some time. The football in a exhilarating 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally promising and exciting.

Although it is difficult to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his criticism of bosses with more miserable records—his downfall was finally hindered by awful fortune. Had fitness issues for key players not occurred alongside the loss of other essential individuals, he could remain in the position—perhaps even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, the interim boss Fletcher inherits a fairly stable state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Mainoo are available again, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Africa Cup of Nations. Just sensible husbandry of this talented roster is expected to be sufficient to ensure a top-five finish and, with it, European competition for the coming campaign—probably in the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

Vincent Kompany's team, however, won't be a pushover. Despite having only 12 points and suffering defeats in three of their most recent five games, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines show. Head coach Parker will certainly have his team pumped up to take the game to United who are set to play an starting eleven that has not had time to gel, deployed in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.