🔗 Share this article The Clarets Take On United in Crucial Top-Flight Match The former manager's spell at Manchester United has been labeled a significant disappointment. Statistically speaking, 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 managed a final position as low as 15th place. Looking deeper into history, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a larger share of matches. Moreover, he famously secured a place in the team's history by enduring a cup final defeat to Spurs, namely Postecoglou's version of Spurs. Football, but, is not often that simple. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he departs from a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. Earlier this season, following a victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, the striker Welbeck reported that teammates were lauding United as the best team they had played against in some time. The football in a thrilling high-scoring tie with Bournemouth was both encouraging and thrilling. Even though it is hard to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was allegedly sparked by his remarks regarding bosses with poorer track records—his exit was ultimately stymied by atrocious fortune. If injuries to key stars not coincided with the absence of other important figures, he may remain in the position—maybe thriving. Fresh Start for United Therefore, Darren Fletcher inherits a fairly positive state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Bruno Fernandes, and Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo will in the near future return from the Afcon. Just careful stewardship of this skilled roster is expected to be adequate to secure a top-five finish and, with it, continental competition for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted Champions League. Burnley's Formidable Test Burnley, but, will not roll over. Despite having only twelve points and having lost three of their most recent five games, their performances have at times been better than the scorelines suggest. Boss Scott Parker will surely have his team revved up to attack the visitors who are set to play an lineup that has lacked cohesion, arranged in a system they have gone without for more than a year. Kick-off: 20:15 GMT.