The former manager's tenure at Manchester United was widely regarded as a major disappointment. Looking at the numbers, his performance is remarkable for all the negative factors. In the Premier League era, no United manager has recorded a lower points average, or managed a league finish as disappointing as 15th place. Examining the archives, you have to return to the manager Frank O'Farrell in 1972 to find a United boss who lost a higher percentage of matches. Additionally, he notoriously etched his name in United's annals by experiencing a loss in a final to Tottenham, namely the current iteration of Tottenham.
Life, but, is not often so straightforward. Regardless of the negative press of his 3-4-2-1 formation, the Portuguese manager departs from a team in a much stronger position than that which he inherited. In a prior match this term, following a defeat of Brighton & Hove Albion, Danny Welbeck reported that fellow players were lauding United as the most impressive opposition they had encountered in a long time. Their football in a exhilarating four-all stalemate with AFC Bournemouth was equally encouraging and exciting.
Even though it is tough to argue against the decision to sack him—particularly given it was reportedly caused by his comments about executives with poorer track records—his exit was finally stymied by atrocious luck. Had injuries to crucial stars not happened at the same time as the absence of other essential individuals, he might remain in the role—maybe succeeding.
Consequently, Darren Fletcher steps into a reasonably positive state of affairs. Key players like Mount, Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo are now fit, while Amad Diallo and Mbeumo will in the near future be back from the Afcon. Merely prudent management of this skilled squad is expected to be adequate to ensure a finish in the European spots and, with it, continental football for the coming campaign—in all likelihood in the coveted European Cup.
Vincent Kompany's team, but, will not roll over. Despite boasting only 12 points and having lost three of their last five games, their performances have at times been more impressive than the outcomes show. Manager Parker will undoubtedly have his squad fired up to take the game to opponents who are expected to field an XI that has lacked cohesion, deployed in a system they have gone without for more than a year.
Kick-off: 8.15pm GMT.
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