Fletcher honored to take charge

Manchester United manager Darren Fletcher says managing the club on an interim basis is beyond his wildest dreams – but he is solely focused on against Burnley.

The former midfielder will take charge of his first senior match on Wednesday after United have sacked Ruben Amorim.

He and former teammates Michael Carrick and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer are said to be in contention to take charge until the summer.

“It’s surreal,” said the interim coach, who made 342 appearances for the Red Devils and has held different positions for them since 2020.

“It’s an incredible honor to be able to lead a Manchester United team. I don’t even think it’s in my wildest dreams that this could potentially happen.

“I think even thinking about playing for the club and stuff like that, but leading a team is an incredible honor and something I’m really proud to do.

“Not in the circumstances I expected, so it’s obviously something that doesn’t seem very easy to me.

“But I have a job to do, and I have to lead the team tomorrow, and think about the great honor and pride of doing it.”

Fletcher is set to remain in charge for Sunday’s FA Cup third round match against Brighton as United consider their options.

When asked if he was interested in the position beyond this interim period, Fletcher replied: “Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about.

“My focus is on Burnley. I think that discussion is for after the match.

“So much has happened, everything has happened so quickly. All my focus, effort and thoughts have been directed towards Burnley and I know that sounds like a generic answer, but it is what it is.”