Newly-appointed interim Manchester United manager Darren Fletcher has received a significant double boost ahead of his first match in the dugout.
Key Duo Return to Contention
Speaking at his inaugural press conference, Fletcher confirmed that both captain Bruno Fernandes and midfielder Mason Mount are in contention to feature against Burnley on Wednesday night. The pair had been pushing for selection in the previous match against Leeds but were deemed not quite ready.
"Mason and Bruno were pushing to play against Leeds. The decision was that they weren’t quite ready, so they’ve trained," Fletcher stated. "They should be back in the squad, but they’ll be on managed minutes as well, restricted minutes because obviously they’ve just returned to training."
A Welcome Boost for Interim Boss
The return of two key creative players is a major positive for Fletcher, who was placed in temporary charge following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim on Monday. United travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Wednesday, January 6, 2026, marking Fletcher's first game at the helm.
Fletcher was effusive in his praise for the returning stars, highlighting their importance to the side. "That’s good news, especially the fact that they’ve been in good form. Mason Mount’s form has been fantastic and we don’t have to speak about Bruno," he said. "He’s the captain, he’s the leader of the team so to have them available for selection is great news for me and for the players and for the club and for the fans."
What This Means for United
The availability of Fernandes and Mount, even with limited minutes, provides Fletcher with crucial options as he looks to steady the ship. Their quality and experience could be pivotal in a tough away fixture as the club seeks to move on from a turbulent period.
All eyes will now be on the team sheet at Turf Moor to see if and how the interim manager utilises his returning stars in this Premier League encounter.
