Darren Fletcher has revealed he is completely in the dark regarding his future as Manchester United's interim manager, expecting to discover his fate when he reports to the club's Carrington training complex on Monday.
Fletcher Awaits News After Cup Disappointment
The former United midfielder was in the dugout for the team's 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. This followed a 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley in his first match as temporary boss last Wednesday. Fletcher confirmed he has had no discussions with the club's hierarchy about the role permanently.
"I've had no discussions. I have to report tomorrow morning to Carrington, that is all I know," Fletcher stated. "I will find out tomorrow morning. I have had zero indications. All my focus has been on this [the matches]. It is a massive responsibility to lead this club and I have given it my best and I am disappointed not to win a game."
A Fragile Squad and a Historic Low
The Scot did not shy away from assessing the current state of the playing squad, describing them as "fragile" and admitting confidence is at a low ebb. The FA Cup elimination compounds a miserable season, marking the first time since the 1981-82 campaign that the 13-time winners have been knocked out of both the FA Cup and the League Cup at their first hurdle.
This early exit from both domestic cups means United will play only 40 games this season – their lowest number in a complete campaign for 111 years. "That is where we are at. We can't hide behind that," Fletcher conceded.
A Challenge to the Players
With United seventh in the Premier League, three points off the top four, Fletcher issued a stark challenge to his underperforming stars. He urged them not to throw the season away and to prove they deserve to be at the club.
"True character reveals itself in difficult times and we learned a lot about the players," he said. "They have to dig in, show they want to be part of Man United's future and ultimately if you are not, I don't think you should be here... This team is still good enough to achieve success this season but they have got to dig deep."
The decision on who will lead the team as interim manager until the season's end – with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick also interviewed – is expected within the next 72 hours.
On the pitch, another former United player enjoyed a far better afternoon. Danny Welbeck was instrumental for Brighton, involved in the build-up to the first goal and scoring the second himself. Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised Welbeck as a "role model" and a "great connector."
