Darren Fletcher has revealed he sought guidance — and approval — from Sir Alex Ferguson before agreeing to take temporary charge of Manchester United following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim. The former United midfielder will oversee Wednesday’s Premier League clash at Burnley and is expected to remain in the dugout for the FA Cup tie against Brighton.
Fletcher, 41, said consulting his former manager was a natural step given their long-standing relationship.
“I don’t like making big decisions without speaking to Sir Alex,” Fletcher explained. “I wanted to get his blessing. He deserves that respect.”
Ferguson, now 84, was present at Elland Road for Amorim’s final match — a 1-1 draw with Leeds — which was followed by the explosive press conference that ultimately led to the Portuguese coach’s exit. Fletcher said Ferguson fully supported his decision to step in, reinforcing the idea that serving the club comes first.
“When you’re an employee of Manchester United, it’s your job to give everything for the club,” Fletcher added. “Hearing that echoed by Sir Alex was comforting.”
Handling Criticism and Rebuilding Energy
One of Amorim’s parting criticisms was that United’s hierarchy paid too much attention to external voices, particularly pundits such as Gary Neville. Fletcher, who played alongside many of those now analysing the team, accepts that scrutiny is part of life at Old Trafford.
“You can’t ask them to go easier,” he said. “They’ve won everything, they’ve earned their opinions. That’s what being a Manchester United player is — you have to embrace the challenge.”
Fletcher admitted his sudden promotion has left little time for individual conversations with the entire squad. Instead, he has focused on captain Bruno Fernandes and senior players, while also meeting recent signings Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. Bryan Mbeumo, currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Cameroon, has yet to speak with the interim boss.
There has also been no direct contact with Amorim since his departure, despite the former manager recently handing debuts to Fletcher’s twin sons, Jack and Tyler.
“I’ve reached out, but we haven’t connected yet,” Fletcher said. “Football is a cruel game — you have to move on quickly and try to create some energy and spirit.”
From Academy Prospect to United Caretaker
Fletcher’s story at Manchester United spans nearly three decades. He joined the club from Celtic at the age of 11 in 1995 and went on to make more than 300 senior appearances, becoming one of Ferguson’s most trusted midfielders.
During his playing career, Fletcher won five Premier League titles, the Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup. His time at United was interrupted by ulcerative colitis, a serious illness that required surgery in 2013 and temporarily derailed his career.
After retiring in 2020 following spells with West Brom and Stoke City, Fletcher returned to United in various coaching and technical roles, most recently managing the under-18s.
Now, his family legacy continues at Old Trafford. Sons Jack and Tyler — both 18 — have already tasted first-team football. If either features against Burnley, Fletcher would join a rare group of managers who have coached their own sons in the English top flight — a fitting, if unexpected, chapter in his long association with Manchester United.
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