Darren Fletcher confident in his ability to do Manchester United job

Manchester United interim head coach Darren Fletcher. 

Darren Fletcher was surprised to be asked to become Manchester United's interim boss but feels ready to make the move into management.

The 41-year-old academy product was this week temporarily promoted from his role as U18s coach after the Old Trafford club called time on Ruben Amorim’s 14-month reign.

Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley on Wednesday and will again be in charge when United host Brighton in the FA Cup third round on Sunday.

It could well prove his final match before an appointment is made for the rest of the season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick the frontrunners for a post Fletcher is considered an outside contender for.

Asked if he was surprised not to be the obvious choice to take charge for the remainder of the season given his experiences with United, the former Scotland international said: “No, I was surprised I got offered for the two games because I wasn't expecting it.

“I don't think like that. I think about the job that I've got in hand. I really do, so it wasn't something that was on my radar at all.

“But when I do get asked to do it, I know that I can do it. I know that I'm comfortable doing it. I know the environment, I believe in myself. I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the five years I’ve been here.” 

Fletcher feels he has learned a lot from his various roles since returning to United in 2020 and is grateful for an “amazing opportunity” that he is putting his full focus into rather than thinking beyond Brighton.

The former midfielder says he is “quite relaxed” about his future and not desperate to move into management, albeit he feels he has developed the qualities for such an opportunity.

“I want to prepare myself to be a manager and that opportunity might come for me one day and I know I'll be ready to do it,” Fletcher said.

“But if it doesn't, I'll be more than comfortable with that. And if it remains staying as the U18s coach, I'm really happy and enjoying doing that, and I'm going to help develop players for Manchester United.” 

Fletcher’s future will become clearer in the coming days when United decide what direction to go in with their appointment for the remainder of the campaign.

That was an approach the current caretaker criticised in December 2018 when Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho, warning the club risked writing off the next two seasons.

“Good research, that,” Fletcher said with a smile. “I was young and naive when I said that, wasn't I?

“No, that was my feeling at the time, and I was speaking in context of probably being out of the game and not involved in it from the inside.

“I think the most important thing for me is it's not my decision, and ultimately the club need to do what they think's best, the people higher up in the roles in the club. They need to do what they think is best.

“They need to know what their plan is going forward for the success of Manchester United and I'm sure they'll do that.

“I think that they'll be strong enough to accept and to deal with that pressure and to make the right decision for what's best for them and for what Manchester United is just now.”