Darren Fletcher's temporary reign as Manchester United manager will continue this Sunday as the Red Devils host Brighton in a crucial FA Cup third-round tie. The competition represents the club's last realistic hope for silverware this season, following a shock Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town and a significant gap to the leaders in the Premier League.
Injury Boost for Fletcher's Interim Regime
The interim backroom staff, led by Fletcher, received a significant midweek boost with the return of several key players from injury. This included the welcome sight of captain Bruno Fernandes making an early comeback to start against Burnley. The Portuguese midfielder managed an hour at Turf Moor before being substituted, and his fitness for a starting role against Brighton remains under assessment.
Further positive news came with the return of young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who came off the bench to play the final 15 minutes against Burnley. Defender Harry Maguire was also named among the substitutes, though he is yet to feature since picking up a thigh injury in November and his availability for the weekend is still uncertain.
AFCON Absences and Defensive Blow
While some players return, United are contending with the significant absence of three key figures due to the Africa Cup of Nations. Winger Amad has been in sparkling form for tournament hosts Ivory Coast, scoring three goals, and faces Egypt in a Saturday semi-final. Forward Bryan Mbeumo is with Cameroon, who play Morocco on Friday, and full-back Noussair Mazraoui is part of that Moroccan squad. Only one of Mbeumo or Mazraoui will progress to the final four.
In a fresh setback, the club's main injury concern is defender Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutch centre-back has been sidelined since November with a lower back issue and his return, while hoped for soon, is not yet confirmed, dealing a blow to United's defensive options.
High Stakes at Old Trafford
The midweek returns were not enough to secure victory at Burnley, with United held to a 2-2 draw. All focus now shifts to the FA Cup, a competition carrying immense weight for the club's faltering season. It remains unclear whether Fletcher will remain in caretaker charge beyond this weekend, with former managers Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick reportedly in talks about the interim role.
Nonetheless, Fletcher will be desperate to navigate these mixed availability issues and guide his team into the fourth round, keeping a fragile season alive.
