Fletcher consults Ferguson before stepping in at Old Trafford

By Martin Graham

Darren Fletcher revealed he contacted Sir Alex Ferguson before accepting the temporary responsibility of leading Manchester United. The former midfielder is overseeing the team for Wednesday’s league visit to Burnley and is also expected to be on the touchline for Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Brighton.

The 41-year-old explained that he values the guidance of his former manager and did not want to proceed without first sharing his intentions. Ferguson, now 84, was present at Elland Road for Ruben Amorim’s final match, a 1-1 draw with Leeds that preceded the manager’s explosive press conference and subsequent dismissal.

Fletcher said his discussion with Ferguson reinforced his own thinking. He stressed that serving the club’s interests is a responsibility that comes with employment at Manchester United, and that hearing reassurance from someone he respects deeply provided welcome comfort at a turbulent moment.

Handling criticism and the external spotlight

One of Amorim’s sharpest criticisms before his exit was that influential voices at the club listen too closely to television analysts, including former captain Gary Neville. Fletcher, who once shared a dressing room with many of those now offering opinions, said such scrutiny is part of life at United.

Reflecting on his own early career, Fletcher recalled facing heavy judgement while trying to establish himself two decades ago. He believes the current group must accept that former players who achieved major success are entitled to speak freely about standards and performances.

According to Fletcher, the challenge lies in learning how to cope with that noise rather than resisting it. He argued that criticism from figures who have collected medals and honours is difficult to dismiss, but embracing that pressure is an essential element of wearing the United shirt.

Short preparation time and family connections

Since taking interim charge, Fletcher admitted his schedule has left little opportunity for one-to-one discussions with the entire squad. His conversations have mainly involved captain Bruno Fernandes and senior figures, alongside meetings with new arrivals Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was spoken to earlier, while Bryan Mbeumo remains unavailable due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Fletcher also confirmed he has attempted to reach Amorim, though contact has not yet been made. He expressed appreciation for the former coach, particularly for the opportunities given to his twin sons, Jack and Tyler, but emphasised the need to move forward quickly and restore energy within the group.

The interim manager’s journey at United spans three decades, from arriving as an 11-year-old to making more than 300 first-team appearances and collecting numerous honours under Ferguson. Health challenges later disrupted his playing career, but surgery in 2013 allowed him to regain a normal life before spells at West Brom and Stoke and retirement in 2020.

Since then, Fletcher has returned in various roles, including youth coaching, first-team duties, and technical leadership, before taking permanent charge of the under-18s last summer. Now, with his sons emerging at the senior level, he stands on the brink of a rare moment in English football, potentially managing his own children in the top flight.

Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer