Manchester United advances in the FA Cup, Fletcher may be promoted! One advantage impresses the Glazer family, with future opportunities also possible

Manchester United has not named a permanent interim manager yet. While Solskjaer and Carrick are seen as the leading contenders, caretaker coach Darren Fletcher has not completely lost hope. The UK’s Daily Mail reports that if the club invites him to keep managing, Fletcher is ready to stay until season’s end.

On Saturday, Solskjaer returned to Carrington for talks with club CEO Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox. Two days earlier, Carrick had an interview with the management. However, Manchester United has yet to make a final decision and is waiting for the Sunday match results. The club is very pleased with Fletcher’s performance during his week as caretaker, and he remains a strong candidate for the role.

In particular, if Fletcher can lead the team to beat Brighton in the FA Cup third round on Sunday and advance, his chances of being appointed as the official interim manager will increase. Fletcher himself has made it clear that he would definitely accept this opportunity if it arises.

“I have always been preparing myself to become a head coach in the future,” said 41-year-old Fletcher. “I believe I might be well-suited for coaching and am eager to take on the challenge. One day, such an opportunity will come my way, and I trust I will be ready to face it. But even if it doesn’t, I won’t be restless. If I continue coaching Manchester United’s under-18 youth team, I will be very happy. I love this job and will work hard to develop young players for Manchester United.”

Fletcher stated he won’t actively pursue the position but will focus on his duties and let other matters unfold naturally. “I was very surprised to be asked to manage these two matches because I never expected it. I’m not the type to chase such opportunities; I concentrate on what’s in front of me and don’t consider anything else,” Fletcher said. “But if someone really invites me, I know I have the ability to succeed. I’m confident I can handle it smoothly, I’m familiar with the environment, and I have confidence.”

Discussing his coaching development, Fletcher shared: “As a player, I had many great experiences. After becoming a coach, I spent time continuously learning and improving my skills, including areas beyond the pitch. I’m glad I did this because it has put me in a very advantageous position now — much better than five years ago. I have studied under excellent coaches and mentors for five years. I feel I have developed a comprehensive training system, whether it’s youth development, tactics, or coaching and management roles, I can handle various situations.”

If he does not continue as interim manager, Fletcher will return to Manchester United’s U18 team. He said, “I have always been very relaxed about the future. I truly enjoy this experience and all its challenges. Everything has been wonderful, and I cherish this time, trying to follow my instincts. I think I have prepared well for future growth, but at the same time, I won’t rush things. I believe many factors influence your situation in life — health, family, and other matters all have an impact.”

Fletcher understands the pressure of managing Manchester United: “I have two young sons just starting their careers, and a pair of younger twin daughters who require a lot of my time and care. These things are always on my mind. However, after less than a week as head coach, I have already felt the pressure of this job.”

Interestingly, British media recalled Fletcher’s comments from 2018 when Mourinho was sacked and Solskjaer took over temporarily. “Manchester United should never have been in such a situation,” Fletcher said at the time. “They had almost given up on this season and the next! Because if a new manager is appointed in the summer, there is barely any time for the coach to bring in new players.”

Reflecting on this, Fletcher laughed: “You really did your homework! I was quite young and somewhat naive when I made those comments, right? But that was exactly how I felt then. I said that partly because I thought I might no longer be involved in matches or be part of the club.”

It’s worth noting that after retiring and returning to Manchester United, Fletcher held various roles. Initially, he coached the under-16 youth team. Later, Solskjaer recognized his winning mentality, dedication, and hardworking attitude as fitting the team culture he wanted to build. Two months later, Fletcher was appointed Manchester United’s first-ever technical director.

Looking back on Manchester United’s managerial decisions, Fletcher said: “For me, the most important thing is that this decision is not mine to make. Ultimately, the club should handle it in the way they believe is best. The senior management will make the call. They need to do what they think is right and be clear about the plans needed for Manchester United’s success going forward. I believe they have the ability to do so!”

The BBC believes that whoever is appointed as Manchester United’s interim manager, Fletcher is already one of the biggest winners during this week of turmoil. A senior club official stated that this brief cooperation period has been a good opportunity for Fletcher to showcase himself, allowing the club to gain deeper insight into his abilities and intelligence.

Senior executives have witnessed qualities in Fletcher they consider crucial: a strong thirst for knowledge, tremendous work enthusiasm, and a desire to learn. These are exactly the so-called “DNA” Manchester United has long sought. After Amorin’s departure, the Red Devils continue striving to regain these elements.