Darren Fletcher has confirmed he will remain in the Manchester United dugout for their upcoming FA Cup clash against Brighton. This follows his first match as interim manager, which ended in a frustrating 2-2 Premier League draw away at Burnley on Thursday, 8th January 2026.
Fletcher's Interim Reign Begins with Turf Moor Frustration
The former United midfielder was asked to step into the breach following the sudden sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this week. Despite an overwhelmingly dominant performance in terms of chances created, his new-look side could only secure a single point.
Manchester United registered a staggering 30 shots, with 10 on target, but were repeatedly denied by goal-line clearances, the woodwork, and a disallowed goal. Fletcher, however, saw clear positives. "I thought they put in a performance that should win the match," he stated after the game. "I think they've created a lot of chances... so if you look at it in that context, we should win."
A Game of Missed Opportunities for United
The match at Turf Moor was a rollercoaster. Burnley took an early lead through an unfortunate own goal from United's Ayden Heaven in the 13th minute. Abandoning Amorim's unpopular 3-4-3 formation, United responded with intensity.
After seeing efforts cleared off the line and a Lisandro Martinez strike ruled out, Benjamin Sesko scored twice in a ten-minute second-half spell to seemingly turn the game around. Yet, United's profligacy cost them. Bruno Fernandes hit the post, Heaven missed a golden headed chance, and substitute Shea Lacey struck the crossbar.
This allowed Burnley's Jaidon Anthony to snatch a late equaliser, extending the Clarets' winless run to 12 games. Their manager, Scott Parker, hailed the "massive point" and the character shown by his struggling side.
Focus Shifts to the FA Cup at Old Trafford
Amid the backdrop of the draw, the Manchester United supporters sang the names of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, the two frontrunners for the permanent managerial role. Fletcher, however, is focused on the immediate task.
He confirmed the club's instruction for him to lead the team in the FA Cup this Sunday. "I've been informed they'd like me to take the team for Sunday," Fletcher said. "All my focus and energy goes to that now."
The interim boss acknowledged there is "lots to work on" but praised his players for implementing his ideas with limited preparation time. All eyes will now be on Old Trafford to see if Fletcher can translate United's chance creation into a vital cup victory.
