Fletcher concentrating on FA Cup amidst speculation about permanent Man Utd role
Darren Fletcher, the interim head coach of Manchester United, has stated that he hasn’t had any conversations regarding his future at the club and emphasizes that his primary focus is on preparing the squad for their FA Cup third-round match against Brighton.
Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim, Fletcher has taken temporary charge for two matches and will manage the upcoming fixture until a caretaker manager is appointed for the rest of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are seen as the frontrunners for the position, though it remains uncertain if Fletcher will stay on as part of the first-team coaching staff or revert back to his former role as United’s under-18 coach.
The former midfielder for United and Scotland revealed that he has not conversed with minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe since Amorim’s exit and has not engaged in discussions with chief executive Omar Berrada or director of football Jason Wilcox regarding his future role after the match against Brighton.
“There haven’t been any discussions or thoughts concerning my future,” Fletcher mentioned. “I talk to Omar and Jason as that’s the way the process functions. They’ve granted me full authority to manage these two games, to make my own choices, to lead and prepare the team.
“That’s precisely what I’ve been focused on. I’ve been concentrating on the task at hand and getting the team ready for these two matches.”
“This club is built around the academy” Darren Fletcher comments on the significance of Manchester United’s academy to the club. pic.twitter.com/NjnWOaMUxx— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 9, 2026
Key figures at Old Trafford have reportedly been impressed with Fletcher’s methodology this week, both in his training ground preparation and his management of the external pressures associated with the interim role.
Fletcher also tackled the criticisms of United’s academy made by Amorim during his tenure, publicly addressing the matter for the first time.
Amorim did not field a single player from the academy in the Premier League this season and raised concerns over the attitude and preparedness of certain young talents, particularly spotlighting Harry Amass and striker Chido Obi.
He also indicated that some of United’s youth prospects exhibited a sense of entitlement, remarks that were met with frustration by club officials.
Having emerged from the academy himself and previously functioning as technical director, most recently overseeing the under-18s, Fletcher provided chances to young talents during his interim period, bringing in Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey during the draw at Turf Moor.
Lacey, who was making just his second senior appearance at 18 years old, nearly secured a victory with a curling shot from 20 yards that hit the crossbar.
“Historically, this club is founded on the academy,” Fletcher articulated. “Our achievements speak volumes. We have exceptional talent, and what I observe is a group of diligent, humble young players who are honest and eager to learn, albeit imperfect since they are still finding their way.
“We sometimes place excessive expectations on young individuals in society. We must allow them to learn, guide them, support them, and understand that errors will occur. With proper guidance, all of us contribute to their development into Manchester United players. Hopefully, they can show their potential just as Shea did.”
Published: 2026-01-09 18:27:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
