Darren Fletcher will be in the dugout when they take on Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup this afternoon.
The former midfielder oversaw United’s 2-2 draw with Burnley on Wednesday following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal and will have another chance to leave his print on the side today.
Fletcher’s first order of business was to abandon the dreaded 3-4-3 system, reverting to a more traditional back four with Bruno Fernandes restored to his more advanced role after spending the entire season playing in central midfield.
Fernandes made his return from a hamstring injury that night at Turf Moor, coming through unscathed and getting an hour under his belt. Kobbie Mainoo was another returning from a knock, replacing Casemiro for the final 15 minutes.
It was a rather error-strewn performance from the England international – perhaps not too surprising given his only starting appearance this season was against Grimsby Town back in August.
He will be desperate for a starting role and could get that opportunity today.
Another knocking on the door will be 18-year-old Shea Lacey. The academy star came off the bench against the Clarets as United chased the winner and almost found it with a wonderful effort from range that rattled the cross bar.
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If not handed a start, he will surely fancy a bigger role off the bench.
United have another superstar-in-the-making in 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, widely regarded as one of the best players in the world in his age group.
While he is ineligible to do what Max Dowman has done and play in the Premier League this season, he is permitted to feature in the FA Cup. Reports this week have suggested he could indeed make the matchday squad today.
Elsewhere, Harry Maguire was another back from injury on Wednesday after a hamstring problem that has sidelined him since November. Matthijs de Ligt remains absent due to a back injury.
Bryan Mbeumo’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to an end on Friday night as Cameroon were beaten by Morocco at the quarter-final stage. Today’s game comes too soon for the former Brentford star to feature but he will be available for next week’s Manchester derby.
Man Utd XI to face Brighton – Metro prediction
With United in talks with both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick, this could be Fletcher’s last game in charge.
United are not back in action until next weekend’s derby so there is no great pressure to rotate the squad especially with the likes of Fernandes and Mainoo needing minutes.
Man Utd vs Brighton TV channel, live stream and kick off time
Man Utd vs Brighton kicks off at 4:30pm today (11 January).
You can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 with streaming also available through the Discovery+ app
