Darren Fletcher has admitted he is completely in the dark about his future at Manchester United, with the interim manager expecting to discover his fate when he reports to the club's Carrington training ground on Monday.
A Manager in Limbo After Historic Defeat
The former United midfielder was speaking after overseeing a 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on Sunday. This was his second match in temporary charge, following a 2-2 Premier League draw with Burnley last Wednesday.
"I've had no discussions. I have to report tomorrow morning to Carrington, that is all I know," Fletcher stated. "I will find out tomorrow morning. I have had zero indications. All my focus has been on this [the Burnley and Brighton games]."
The decision on who will lead the team until the end of the season is anticipated within the next 72 hours. Both Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick have been interviewed for the interim role, which Fletcher himself would also like.
A Season of Unwanted Records for United
The loss to Brighton confirmed a dismal piece of history for the 13-time FA Cup winners. For the first time since the 1981-82 season, United have been eliminated from both the FA Cup and the League Cup at the first hurdle.
This early exit from domestic cup competitions means the club will play only 40 games this season – their lowest number in a complete campaign for an astonishing 111 years. "That is where we are at," Fletcher conceded. "We can't hide behind that."
Fletcher's Challenge to a 'Fragile' Squad
With United seventh in the Premier League, three points off the top four, Fletcher delivered a stark assessment of his squad's mentality while urging them to salvage the season.
"You can see that the players are fragile and they need to build themselves up," he said. "Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football. When you don't have confidence you have to dig deep – and you have to battle, grind, fight, work, win games – and then the confidence comes back."
He issued a direct challenge to the underperforming stars: "True character reveals itself in difficult times... They have to dig in, show they want to be part of Man United's future and ultimately if you are not, I don't think you should be here."
Fletcher emphasised that someone is going to come in and lead them, and the players must ensure they still have objectives to fight for this season.
The match itself saw another former United player, Danny Welbeck, haunt his old club. Welbeck was instrumental in Brighton's opener and scored their second goal. United's sole reply was a late header from Benjamin Sesko.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler praised Welbeck as a "role model on the pitch" and a "great connector," highlighting his perseverance after missing an earlier chance.
