Darren Fletcher has been thrust into the Manchester United hotseat, admitting the chance to lead the club is “surreal” and “beyond his wildest dreams.” The former United midfielder faces a baptism of fire at Burnley on Wednesday night, just 48 hours after being named interim boss following the brutal sacking of Rúben Amorim.
The 41 year old, who was coaching the under 18s, faced the media for the first time on Tuesday in a presser that was equal parts emotional and steely. “It’s an amazing honour,” Fletcher said, his voice laden with the weight of the badge. “It hasn’t happened in the way I expected, but I’ve got a job to do and I’ve got to lead the team.” He insisted all his focus has gone into the trip to Turf Moor, a classic relegation six pointer the beleaguered Reds can hardly afford to lose.
Fletcher, a five time Premier League winner under Sir Alex, was adamant the standards at this club hasn’t changed, despite the shambolic last 14 months under Amorim. “Everyone expects Manchester United to be at the top and winning, that’s the standard,” he stated. There was a glimmer of good news on the injury front too, with Fletcher hopeful Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount could make a timely return to bolster a squad that’s looked desperately short of ideas.
But when pressed on whether he fancies the gig full time, Fletcher was having none of it. “Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about,” he claimed, batting the question away. The club’s plan is well known, install a caretaker soon, then go for a big name permanent boss in the summer. Yet, history tells us at Old Trafford that temporary bosses can sometimes stumble into something more. Could Fletcher be the one to finally break the cursed cycle of failed appointments post Ferguson?
With United languishing in sixth and three points off the scouse in fourth, the task is monumental. But Fletcher, a man who knows the fabric of the club, ended with a promise to the fans: “I want a Manchester United team that fans can be proud of.” It’s a simple statement, but one that’s been badly missing. The Fletcher era, however brief it’s meant to be, starts now. The watching world is curious; will he be another footnote, or could this club legend be the unlikely figure to finally steady the ship? Stranger things have happened in this corner of Manchester.
