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The former manager's tenure at Old Trafford is considered by many to have been a significant disappointment. By any measure, his performance stands out for all the wrong causes. In the Premier League era, no boss at the club has recorded fewer points per game, nor secured a standing as poor as 15th in the table. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a higher percentage of matches. Furthermore, he famously etched his name in club lore by suffering a cup final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, namely Postecoglou's iteration of the North London club.

Life, however, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a team in a far better state than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that his colleagues were praising their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The football in a breathtaking high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both hopeful and thrilling.

While it is tough to dispute the termination—especially given it was reportedly caused by his remarks regarding superiors with poorer track records—his exit was finally hampered by atrocious luck. Had the absence of key personnel not coincided with the unavailability of other pivotal figures, he could still be in the position—possibly even.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

Therefore, Fletcher takes over a fairly solid scenario. Star figures like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are back to fitness, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just careful management of this talented roster should be adequate to guarantee a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—probably in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Daunting Challenge

The home side, however, won't make things easy. Despite having only twelve points and suffering defeats in three of their previous five games, their performances have frequently been more impressive than the outcomes indicate. Head coach Scott Parker will certainly have his squad pumped up to attack United who are expected to start an XI that has never played together, deployed in a system they have gone without for over a year.

Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.