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The former manager's time at Manchester United is considered by many to have been a major letdown. By any measure, his results stands out for all the wrong reasons. Throughout the contemporary football age, no United manager has managed a worse points return, or achieved a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a United boss who was defeated in a greater proportion of games. Furthermore, he notoriously carved a niche in the team's history by experiencing a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely the current side of the North London club.

The game, though, is seldom so black and white. Despite the negative press of his favored system, he exits a squad in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. Months ago, following a win against Brighton & Hove Albion, Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding their opponents as the best team they had encountered in a while. The performance in a breathtaking 4-4 draw with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and thrilling.

While it is hard to contest the decision to sack him—especially given it was said to be caused by his criticism of executives with poorer records—his exit was finally hampered by atrocious fortune. If the absence of key players not happened at the same time as the absence of other pivotal members, he could remain in the job—maybe succeeding.

Fletcher Takes the Reins

As a result, Darren Fletcher inherits a relatively stable state of affairs. Star players like Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are back to fitness, while Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future rejoin from the African tournament. Just sensible management of this skilled roster ought to be sufficient to ensure a fifth-place finish and, with it, continental competition for the following term—most likely in the elite Champions League.

The Clarets' Formidable Test

Vincent Kompany's team, though, will not be a pushover. Even with boasting only 12 points and losing 3 of their previous five games, their displays have often been stronger than the scorelines show. Head coach Parker will surely have his side revved up to attack the visitors who are set to play an XI that has never played together, set up in a system they have not used for more than a year.

Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.