Darren Fletcher has confirmed there have been no conversations regarding his long-term position at Manchester United, despite being placed in temporary charge of the first team for two crucial fixtures.
Focus on the Immediate Task
The 41-year-old Scot will lead the side from the dugout for Sunday's FA Cup clash with Brighton at Old Trafford. This follows his oversight of Wednesday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Burnley, which came after the club's decision to sack former boss Ruben Amorim.
When questioned at his pre-match press conference at Carrington on Friday about whether he had spoken to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe concerning the managerial vacancy, Fletcher was unequivocal. He stated that his communication has been solely with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, who are leading the search process.
"I've not, no," Fletcher replied. "I speak to Omar and Jason, that's how the processes work. For me, I've been focusing on the job at hand, preparing the team for these two games. There's been no thoughts or conversations about my future."
Clarity on the Selection Process
Fletcher emphasised that Berrada and Wilcox have entrusted him with full responsibility for the interim period. "Honestly, the people in charge, Jason and Omar, have given me full responsibility to take control of these two games, make my own decisions, lead the team, guide the team, prepare the team, and that's what I've been doing," he explained.
He further clarified the chain of command, adding, "There's been no conversations with anybody outside of those two people in higher-up positions in the club." While it is understood Fletcher has an outside chance of retaining an interim role until season's end, former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-coach Michael Carrick are considered the leading contenders.
Squad News and Mainoo's Mindset
On team news, Fletcher confirmed he will select from the same squad that faced Burnley. This means none of the players currently at the Africa Cup of Nations will be available, even if their nations are eliminated on Friday night.
The caretaker boss also provided an update on the situation surrounding young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. Mainoo was reportedly keen on a loan move to Napoli under the previous regime, but the club now hopes he will reconsider.
"He seems in a good place," Fletcher said of the England international. "Kobbie doesn't give you much. He's like that, it's just his natural way, I know him well, I've seen him around the building and had conversations with him. He's in a good place, he's comfortable with this environment. He's trained well."
