Darren Fletcher has been confirmed as the man who will lead Manchester United into their crucial FA Cup tie against Brighton & Hove Albion this Sunday at Old Trafford. The former United midfielder took temporary charge for the midweek Premier League draw with Burnley and has now been asked to continue in the role by the club's hierarchy.
Fletcher Gets the Nod from United's New Leadership
Chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox informed Fletcher they wanted him to take the team for the Brighton game. This provides some short-term stability as the club continues its search for an interim boss to replace the departed Ruben Amorim, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick understood to be the leading contenders.
"They've informed me they'd like me to take the team for Sunday," Fletcher revealed. "There was a feeling that might have been the case from Monday, but we wanted to focus on Burnley. I'm tasked with leading the team on Sunday, so all my focus and energy goes to that now." It is believed Carrick is prepared to become Solskjaer's assistant should the Norwegian get the main interim role.
Mixed Feelings After Burnley Draw and Sesko Boost
Reflecting on the 2-2 draw at Turf Moor, Fletcher expressed satisfaction with large parts of the performance but frustration at the result. United created a string of chances, had 30 shots, and saw a Lisandro Martinez goal controversially disallowed. "We put in a performance that should win the match," Fletcher stated. "It wasn't perfect. We started slow but scored two fantastic goals. The rest of the game was pretty much total domination."
A major positive was the performance of striker Benjamin Sesko, who scored twice to double his tally for the season. Fletcher revealed he had held a one-on-one meeting with the £73.7million forward at Carrington on Tuesday to boost his confidence. "I sat down with him yesterday and showed him videos of his movement," Fletcher said. "I thought he was fantastic tonight. It was a real positive night for him."
Familiar Defensive Frailties and a Glimpse of the Future
Despite taking the lead through Sesko's double after switching from a back-five to a back-four, United again failed to hold on, continuing a worrying trend against teams in the lower half of the table. Fletcher acknowledged the team's ongoing struggle to defend leads. "We get 2-1 up and we were a bit passive," he admitted. "I think it is proved in the season that we give up goals too easily. There is a tactical element, but you defend as a team."
Fletcher also gave a debut to young winger Shea Lacey, who came off the bench and impressed, hitting the crossbar with a fierce effort. "I said to him stay wide on the right and go and do what you do," said the caretaker boss. "He is exciting, direct, and fearless. I know he's going to be a big part of Manchester United's future." He named his son Jack on the bench but omitted twin brother Tyler.
All attention now turns to the FA Cup and a chance for Fletcher to secure a win and perhaps further his case for a continued role in the new coaching setup, whatever form it ultimately takes.
