Darren Fletcher: Man United interim manager, ‘surreal’ week, incredible Bruno Fernandes, regaining positivity | Soccer News

“It’s best to talk to Sir Alex.”

That was Darren Fletcher’s reaction when he learned he would be in charge of Manchester United’s next game against Burnley live on Sky Sports.

It was a quick turnaround for the former United midfielder, who has spent the past six months coaching the club’s Under-18 team.

Following the sacking of former head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, Fletcher was asked by United’s senior management, including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berada, to attend first-team training sessions to prepare for Wednesday, an opportunity Fletcher could not refuse.

In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Fletcher described his first 24 hours as interim manager: “It’s been incredibly quick.

“I was shocked and proud. The best thing to do would be to tell Sir Alex[Ferguson]but that was the first thing that came to mind.

“For all the big decisions I make, in football in general, I call Sir Alex. His words are the same as mine, which is that you do what’s best for the club and that was always my intention.

“I never dreamed that I would be sitting here and managing a Manchester United team. It’s something that has been put on me and it’s probably a good thing because I haven’t had time to think about it.”

“If it had been said to me and planned, I could have slept on it or something like that. So the fact that it was thrown at me helped me react quickly and do what comes naturally. Luckily, I know the club, I know the club, I know the people, I know the players.”

For Fletcher, he began his association with Manchester United when he was 11 years old. After an illustrious career as a player that saw him win multiple titles in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, he returned to the club in 2020 and has held several roles since then.

Wednesday, January 7th 6pm

8:15pm kickoff

Fletcher has truly seen it all in recent years, whether it was as part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick’s coaching staff, becoming technical director when Erik ten Hag took over, or now coaching with the youth team, but his goals have always been clear.

“It was never about me,” Fletcher said.

“It’s always been about me giving back, helping everyone and doing everything I can to help the players, the club and the staff. Helping them get better will ultimately make Manchester United better. That’s always been my goal and responsibility since I’ve been back here.”

“Incredible” conversation with Fernandes

Asked what the atmosphere in the first team had been like during training over the past few days, Fletcher described it as “mixed”.

It was Monday morning when they witnessed Amorim leave Carrington before Fletcher took command. Also, with all the Amorim sideshow, it’s easy to forget that this team hasn’t played really well in a long time.

They have won two of their last seven games, including some disappointing performances against West Ham and Wolves, but December and January have felt like tough times for these players, with little to go on other than the win against Newcastle.

Despite knowing many of the players in the team, Fletcher has done his best to speak one-on-one with players he hasn’t met much since returning to the club. Two of them included Benjamin Sesko and Senne Ramens.

But one player he knew well and was particularly close to Amorim was captain Bruno Fernandes. Fletcher considered it particularly important to keep him aside.

Fletcher said: “I have a great relationship with Bruno and he’s someone I have a lot of respect for. He’s been an incredible player and a great leader for Manchester United.”

“Like everyone, Bruno is disappointed. He wants to do well with every manager. Bruno is disappointed that all the managers he has worked with have left the club and I know he and Ruben had a good relationship.”

“But, like me, Bruno understands his responsibility as captain, which is to help all the players and do the best for the club. He is a great leader and a great advisor.”

play style

Fletcher is unsure how long he will remain in charge of Manchester United, but confirmed such conversations will take place after Wednesday night’s game against Burnley.

But either way, Fletcher wants to be a head coach one day and has the opportunity to make a big impression.

I have sat in on many of Mr. Amorim’s press conferences and always felt that he cared more about the opposition than what his side would do to take advantage of them.

After the 1-1 draw with Wolves, I asked him why he had changed back to a back three, even though he had won a big win against Newcastle a few days ago with a back four, and he answered that it was because he wanted to play against Wolves in a similar system.

That’s not Manchester United.

In terms of playing style, it was refreshing to hear important, if perhaps somewhat clichéd, phrases, such as Fletcher explaining how he wants his team to play Wednesday night, such as “being positive” and wanting his team to “express themselves.”

This is a United team we haven’t seen for a long time.

Fletcher said: “Soccer these days is fluid with formations going in and out of possession in different phases and that’s the way the game is now. I want to see our players play with enthusiasm and energy and be really positive when they get the ball. Don’t hide it.”

“For them to play as a team, play with unity, play with Manchester United spirit and energy, express themselves, have fun and challenge themselves to win games. These are all things I expect from my players.”

It’s been a chaotic week to say the least for Manchester United officials, but I was impressed by how Fletcher handled his first press conference as head coach, and how he made an impression when I spoke to him.

I don’t know if it’s a one-time miracle so far or the start of many, but United seem to have a club keeper who just gets it.

Watch Burnley v Man United live on Sky Sports on Wednesday. Kickoff at 8:15 p.m.