"I Never Expected It" - Darren Fletcher Shares His Surprise at Being Asked to Step in as Man Utd Caretaker

DARREN FLETCHER was “surprised” to be asked to take over at Manchester United and would not be “desperate” to stay on as caretaker coach.

took charge of ‘s 2-2 draw at Burnley on Wednesday and will remain in the dugout for the FA Cup third round visit of Brighton on Sunday.

Darren Fletcher oversaw a 2-2 draw at BurnleyCredit: Getty Images Man Utd host Brighton in the FA Cup on SundayCredit: Getty Images

United have still not settled on their choice for a caretaker for the rest of the season, having sounded out and Michael Carrick.

Fletcher, who was appointed the United Under-18 coach in the summer, rejoined the club in January 2021 as a first team coach but was then made their inaugural technical director two months later.

When asked if he was surprised not to be offered the caretaker post for the remainder of the campaign, Fletcher replied: “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 and 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 that I’ve been here.

“I’ve had great experiences as a player. I’ve taken my time to develop and learn as a coach and other parts of things off the field.

“Which I’m glad I’ve done because I think it’s put me in a great position now. Or a better position now than it would have been five years ago.

“So I’ve had five years of learning under good coaches and good people.

“As I said, I feel like I’ve developed a rounded approach to the game and football and am comfortable in a lot of different situations, academy, technical or obviously coaching and leading.”

Fletcher, 41, partly took the U18 role as he would not have to manage his 18-year-old twin sons Jack and Tyler, who primarily play for the U21s.

The pair have been involved in the first team in recent weeks and Fletcher actually dropped Tyler from the matchday squad at Burnley, where Jack was an unused substitute.

Fletcher and wife Hayley also have three-year-old twin daughters and he admitted he would be content to return to the U18 job if United decide to hire an external coach to see out the season.

“I’ve always been quite relaxed about my future,” Fletcher admitted. “I’ve enjoyed it. I really have.

Fletcher is certain to be in charge for at least one more gameCredit: Getty

“I’ve enjoyed the challenge of it and it’s amazing.

“I’ve tried to relish it. I’ve tried to go with my instincts. As I said, I think I’m quite well prepared.

“I’ve always tried to prepare myself to be a manager in the future. It was something I always thought that I would maybe be quite good at or something that I’d enjoy doing, or enjoy the challenge of.

“But at the same time, I wanted to be really careful and make sure I was ready when that moment came, but it’s not something I’m saying I’m desperate to do.

Fletcher was placed in temporary charge on MondayCredit: Getty

“I think circumstances in life dictate that, where you’re at yourself personally. Health, family, lots of different factors dictate that.

“I’ve got two young boys on the start of their football and career, where that takes on. I’ve got another set of young twin girls which takes up a lot of my time!

“So those things are on my mind, and I’ve experienced how intense it has been as a manager for less than a week.

“So there’s not much time for much outside the family life and things outside the football. 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.

Jack and Tyler Fletcher have been in the United squad recentlyCredit: Reuters

“But if it doesn’t, I’ll be more than comfortable with that, and if it remains staying as the under 18’s coach, I’m really happy, I enjoy doing that.

“And I’m going to help develop players for Manchester United.”

After United sacked Jose Mourinho and hired Solskjaer as caretaker in December 2018, Fletcher said “they’re almost writing off this season”.

When reminded of that quote, the Scot chuckled and half-joked: “Good research, that! I was young and naive when I said that, wasn’t I?

“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.

Mourinho was in charge of United for two-and-a-half yearsCredit: Getty – Contributor

“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 in the higher up in the roles in the club.

“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 think 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.”