Fletcher focuses on FA Cup as he talks about landing permanent job at Man Utd

Manchester United interim head coach Darren Fletcher says he has had no discussions about his future at the club and insists all his attention has been on preparing the team for their FA Cup third round tie against Brighton.

Fletcher was put in temporary charge of two matches following the sacking of Ruben Amorim and will oversee the match before United appoint an interim manager for the remainder of the season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are seen as the leading candidates to take on the role, although it remains unclear whether Fletcher will remain part of the first-team coaching staff or return to his old role as United’s under-18s coach.

The former United and Scotland midfielder confirmed he has not spoken to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe since Amorim’s departure, nor with chief executive Omar Berrada or director of football Jason Wilcox about his role beyond the Brighton game.

“There was no thought or conversation about my future,” Fletcher said. “I’m talking to Omar and Jason, that’s how the process works. They gave me full responsibility to take control of these two games, make my own decisions, lead the team, guide the team and prepare the team.

“That’s what I did. I focused on the job at hand and prepared the team for these two games.”

Senior officials at Old Trafford are said to have been impressed by Fletcher’s approach this week, both in his preparation on the training ground and in the way he handled the external pressures of taking over on an interim basis.

Fletcher also responded to Amorim’s criticism of United’s academy during his tenure, speaking publicly on the issue for the first time.

Amorim has not started a single academy player in the Premier League this season and has questioned the attitude and readiness of several young players, drawing particular attention to Harry Amass and striker Chido Obi.

He also suggested there was a sense of entitlement among some of United’s young prospects, comments which caused frustration among club officials.

As an academy product himself, and having previously served as technical director and more recently overseeing the under-18s, Fletcher provided opportunities for younger players during his caretaker tenure, introducing Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey at the draw at Turf Moor.

Lacey, making only her second senior appearance at the age of 18, almost won the match with a curling effort from 20 yards which hit the crossbar.

“Historically this club is built around the academy,” Fletcher said. “Our record speaks for itself. We have incredible talent and what I see is a lot of hard-working, humble, honest, easy-to-coach young players who are not perfect because they are young and learning.

“We sometimes ask too much of young people in society. We need to let them learn, educate them, help them and understand that they will make mistakes. With good guidance, we all play a part in their development to become Manchester United players. I hope they can show themselves like Shea did.”