Image source: bbc.com
Darren Fletcher confirmed he will remain as Manchester United’s interim coach for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton at Old Trafford, following the club’s 2-2 draw at Burnley where Benjamin Sesko scored his first double since his £73.7 million summer move from RB Leipzig.
Fletcher Confirmed as Manchester United Interim Coach for Brighton FA Cup Clash
Fletcher received confirmation from chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox that he will lead the team against Brighton on Sunday. The former United midfielder said there was a feeling this might be the case on Monday, but the club wanted to focus on the Burnley match first. Fletcher stated that all his focus and energy now goes on preparing the team for the FA Cup fixture at Old Trafford.
United’s ongoing problems were evident in their latest performance, with the club having won just two matches from 10 games against teams currently in the bottom eight of the Premier League since the beginning of November. Their past three matches against relegation-threatened teams Wolves, Burnley and Leeds have all ended in draws, highlighting persistent issues despite the recent managerial change from Ruben Amorim’s dismissal following Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Elland Road.
The match at Turf Moor saw United dominate with 30 shots, 10 on target, but they managed only two goals and conceded twice in a familiar pattern of defensive frailty. Fletcher acknowledged the team’s defensive problems, stating that it has been proved over the season that they give up goals too easily. United have kept just two clean sheets all season, with Fletcher accepting that as a team they need to improve in defending and not concede so many goals.
Benjamin Sesko provided a rare positive with his first goals since October, taking his tally to four after almost five months as a United player. Fletcher revealed he sat down with Sesko the day before the match and showed him videos of his movement and how opportunities would come, telling the striker to keep believing and making runs. The coach expressed hope that goals would start flooding in from now, describing it as a real positive night for the Slovenian forward.
England Under-20 international Shea Lacey impressed during a six-minute cameo appearance, hitting the bar with his first attacking raid and nearly scoring with United’s final attack. Fletcher praised Lacey’s creativity, goals, excitement and fearless approach, stating he had no doubts the young player would be a big part of Manchester United’s future. The interim coach confirmed that Lacey will likely feature more prominently, describing him as a player who will make an impact.
