🔗 Share this article Burnley Face Off Against Man United in Crucial Top-Flight Fixture The former manager's spell at Manchester United was widely regarded as a significant failure. Looking at the numbers, his results is notable for all the negative factors. Throughout the Premier League era, not a single Man Utd boss has achieved a worse points return, nor managed a standing as disappointing as 15th in the table. Delving further back, you have to revisit Frank O'Farrell in the early seventies to find a Red Devils' gaffer who lost a higher percentage of games. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by suffering a final loss to Tottenham, namely Ange Postecoglou's side of Spurs. Life, however, is not often so black and white. Despite the scrutiny of his 3-4-2-1 formation, he leaves behind a club in a significantly improved condition than that which he took over. In a prior match this term, following a win against Brighton, Danny Welbeck relayed that teammates were praising their opponents as the most impressive opposition they had faced in a long time. The play in a thrilling 4-4 draw with Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exhilarating. Even though it is difficult to contest the dismissal—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his criticism of bosses with even worse histories—his exit was finally stymied by terrible fortune. If the absence of vital stars not happened at the same time as the loss of other important figures, he might still be in the role—perhaps succeeding. Fletcher Takes the Reins Consequently, Fletcher takes over a fairly positive state of affairs. Important figures like Mason Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are available again, while Diallo and Mbeumo will soon be back from the Afcon. Simply prudent stewardship of this gifted squad is expected to be enough to secure a fifth-place finish and, with it, European competition for next season—probably in the coveted Champions League. Burnley's Daunting Task Vincent Kompany's team, though, won't be a pushover. Even with having only twelve points and losing three of their most recent five outings, their showings have often been stronger than the results show. Boss Scott Parker will certainly have his side fired up to get after opponents who are expected to play an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a setup they have gone without for over a year. Start time: 8:15 in the evening GMT.