Manchester United interim boss Darren Fletcher has described the opportunity to lead the club as beyond his “wildest dreams,” while stressing that he is not considering replacing Ruben Amorim permanently at this stage.
The Portuguese manager was recently sacked after a turbulent 14 months at Old Trafford, and former United midfielder Fletcher has been placed in temporary charge. Ahead of his first match against Burnley, Fletcher addressed the media, calling the experience “surreal”.
“It’s an amazing honour to be able to lead a Manchester United team. I don’t even think it was in my wildest dreams that it could happen, even when thinking about playing for the club,” he said.
Fletcher acknowledged that the circumstances were unexpected but emphasized that his focus is on the responsibility ahead.
“It’s not happened in the way I expected, and that doesn’t sit quite easy with me, but I’ve got a job to do. I’ve got to lead the team and take great pride in doing that.”
While Fletcher is expected to remain in charge until a caretaker manager is appointed, speculation has emerged about whether he, Michael Carrick, or former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could take the role permanently. However, Fletcher confirmed his thoughts are entirely on the upcoming Burnley match.
“Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about. Everything has happened so quickly. All my focus, effort and thoughts are on Burnley.”
The former Scotland international, who won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, also acknowledged the high expectations that come with managing a club like Manchester United.
“Everyone expects Manchester United to be at the top and winning. That’s the standard we all have to try and achieve,” he said.
On the style of play, Fletcher said he hopes to field a team that reflects the club’s identity:
“I want a Manchester United team that fans can be proud of, that I can be proud of. I believe in the players. We’ve got quality, we’ve got players who care, and I want to give them a platform to express themselves.”
He added that he is hopeful Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount could return to bolster a squad affected by injuries and international commitments. Fletcher declined to comment on whether his twin sons, Jack and Tyler, would be handed full debuts against Burnley.
Manchester United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, as Fletcher prepares for his first challenge in charge.
