Darren Fletcher handed double injury boost ahead of first Man Utd game in charge

Published 1 day ago
Source: metro.co.uk
Manchester United interim manager Darren Fletcher (Picture: MUTV)

Darren Fletcher has been handed a double injury boost ahead of his first game in charge of Manchester United.

The ex-United midfielder was placed in interim charge of the side after Ruben Amorim lost his job on Monday.

Manchester United travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley on Wednesday night and Fletcher, speaking at his first press conference, confirmed Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount were both in contention to feature.

Captain Fernandes has missed United’s last three games after injuring his hamstring in the defeat to Aston Villa, while Mount was forced off in the Boxing Day win over Newcastle United.

‘Mason and Bruno were pushing to play against Leeds. The decision was that they weren’t quite ready, so they’ve trained,’ Fletcher said.

‘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.

‘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.

Manchester United v Liverpool FC - Premier League
Fletcher was appointed as United’s interim manager (Picture: Getty)

‘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.’

Fletcher played over 300 games for boyhood club Manchester United across a 13-year spell at Old Trafford.

During that time the Scotland international won five Premier League titles and the Champions League.

Fletcher has been in charge of United’s U18 side since July but has temporarily left that role to take over the first team.

Asked about his coaching team, Fletcher said: ‘So Travis Binnion, who leads the Under-21s, who I started my coaching career with in the Academy, whom I’ve know for five years that I’ve been here.

Prefer us to the others? Then tell Google!

As a loyal Metro reader, we want to make sure you never miss our stories when searching for your news. Whether it is the latest politics news explained, live football coverage or a showbiz scoop.

Click here and tick Metro.co.uk to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.

Our journalists work hard to deliver the most important stories from around the world

‘I actually couldn’t ask for anybody better beside me than Travis, we’ve got such a close relationship together, for such a long time, [he is] somebody I respect, somebody who I’ve learned a lot from.

Up Next

‘His assistant, Alan Wright, who is newly joined [at] the club as well, so the Under-21s staff come and join me, and Jonny Evans has come in to help as well.

‘[He is] somebody who has a great association with the club, recently played, knows the players, is comfortable in the environment and a familiar face for the group and the players as well, so those three will assist me for the game tomorrow.’

Asked whether he wanted to stay in the role until the end of the season, when United are expected to name Amorim’s permanent replacement, Fletcher said: ‘Honestly I’m not thinking about that right now.

‘My focus is on Burnley, those discussions are for after the game. It has all happened so quickly so all my concentration is on Burnley. I know it is a generic answer but it is what it is.’

Fletcher’s first opponents Burnley are second from bottom in the Premier League with just 12 points from 20 games.

Scott Parker’s side have not won a league games since the end of October, picking up just two points in their last 11 fixtures.

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

Categories

FootballSportBruno FernandesBurnley FCDarren FletcherManchester United FCMason MountPremier LeagueRuben Amorim