Fletcher Says Man United Role ‘Beyond Wildest Dreams’, Focused Only on Interim Duty

Manchester United interim manager Darren Fletcher says leading the club is an honour beyond his “wildest dreams,” but insists he has not considered taking the job permanently following the sacking of Ruben Amorim.

Amorim was dismissed on Monday after a turbulent 14-month spell at Old Trafford, with Fletcher, a former United midfielder and current under-18 coach, stepping in temporarily. Facing the media for the first time ahead of United’s clash with Burnley, Fletcher said the opportunity still feels surreal.

“It’s an amazing honour to lead a Manchester United team,” said the 41-year-old, who made 342 appearances for the club and has worked in various roles, including technical director, since 2020. “It’s not something I ever imagined happening, even when I dreamed of playing for the club. To lead the team is incredible, though the circumstances are not what I would have wished.”

Fletcher is expected to remain in charge until the club appoints a caretaker manager, while a permanent successor is set to be named at the end of the season. Reports suggest United have held initial discussions with Fletcher, Michael Carrick and former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer over the interim role.

However, Fletcher stressed that his attention is fully on Wednesday’s fixture.

“Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about,” he said when asked about taking the job full-time. “Everything has happened so quickly. All my focus is on Burnley, and any other discussion will come after the match.”

The former Scotland international, who won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson, acknowledged the high expectations surrounding the club.

“Everyone expects Manchester United to be winning, that is the standard and what we must aim for,” he said. Fletcher added that he hopes to field a team that reflects traditional United values, hard work, belief and attacking intent. “I believe in the players. They care, they have quality, and I want to give them the platform to express themselves.”

He also expressed hope that captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Mason Mount would return to a squad depleted by injuries and international duty. When asked if his twin sons, Jack and Tyler, would feature, Fletcher jokingly declined to reveal “sensitive information.”

Manchester United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table, three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.