Scotland icon takes over Manchester United interim duties following dismissal of Ruben Amorim
The former Scotland International’s first game in charge will take place against Burnley in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
Following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United have appointed Darren Fletcher as interim boss.
The Red Devils currently sit sixth in the Premier League and have only lost one of their eight games, however recent draws to relegation-threatened Leeds United and bottom of the table Wolves have forced the United board to act.
Since hanging up his boots in 2019, Fletcher has been a steady pair of hands as coach of the Manchester United youth levels. Since 2020, he’s had a number of different roles at the club including under-16s coach, under-18s coach and Technical Director.
Fletcher takes over Manchester United interim duties
Fletcher, who spent 20 years at Old Trafford as a player, will now take the reins and will be in the United dugout at the very least for their Premier League fixture at Turf Moor on Wednesday night against Burnley. In the meantime the United board are looking for Amorim’s permanent replacement, which he is also in the running for.
The Scotsman will now have the responsibility of managing his twin sons, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, who’ve both recently made the step up to the first team at the age of 18. The Old Trafford side have a rich history of Scottish managers, with Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson amongst their previous gaffers.
As a player, Fletcher was seen as an unsung hero of a hugely successful Man United side. During his two decades at Old Trafford, he won five league titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and a Champions League. His exploits at club level helped earn him 80 appearances for Scotland, where he remains the sixth most capped player of all time.
Former Chelsea boss, who has also just been sacked this week, Enzo Maresca is the bookies favourite to take over as Amorim’s permanent successor, however Fletcher himself is just behind him in the odds. Other candidates include Crystal Palace boss, Oliver Glasner and England boss, Thomas Tuchel.
Amorim sacked after 14 months in charge
The Portuguese boss took over from Erik Ten Hag at Old Trafford in November 2024, after steering Sporting Lisbon to the Primeira Liga title. While this season has been an improvement on last year’s campaign where they finished 15th in the league, the board have decided it’s time for a change.
A club statement read: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United.Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May. With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change.
“This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish. The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.