Man Utd - Brighton: 11:30 PM on 11/1, Hanoi time.

Darren Fletcher, the coach of Man Utd's U18 team, has made a positive impression during his one week as interim manager. The 41-year-old manager could become a serious option, especially if he helps Man Utd overcome Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup at Old Trafford today.

Fletcher's potential rise comes as the club seeks a permanent solution. Following coach Ruben Amorim's dismissal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick emerged as the two leading candidates for the hot seat at Old Trafford. Solskjaer held a direct meeting with Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada and Sporting Director Jason Wilcox at Carrington on 10/11, two days after Carrick met with club leadership.

Coach Darren Fletcher applauds fans after Man Utd's 2-2 draw with Burnley in the 21st round of the Premier League on 7/1. Photo: *Shutterstock*.

In the pre-match press conference, Fletcher affirmed he has always prepared for the path to becoming Man Utd's head coach. "I always thought that one day I could be a coach and enjoy that challenge. If the opportunity comes, I believe I am ready. If not, I am still very happy to continue working with the U18 team and developing young players for Man Utd," he stated.

The former Scotland midfielder admitted he was surprised to be given the interim role, but believes that years of learning under good coaches, including the legendary Alex Ferguson, along with top-level playing experience, have helped him mature significantly compared to 5 years ago. "I understand this environment, believe in myself, and feel comfortable in many different roles, from the academy to coaching and leadership," Fletcher affirmed.

He also emphasized that he is not overly anxious about the future, as there are many personal factors to consider. "My family, health, my children – especially my two sons who are starting their football careers and my young twins – are all things I think about. In less than a week, I have felt the immense pressure and intensity of the head coach's job," Fletcher added.

When reminded of his 2018 statement to the BBC that "Man Utd should never be in a situation where they have to appoint an interim coach", Fletcher merely smiled, admitting he was young and naive at the time. According to him, the final decision does not rest with any individual, but with the club's leadership. "They need to know the long-term plan for Man Utd's success, and I believe they will make the best choice," Fletcher concluded.

During his playing career, Fletcher played for Man Utd from 2002-2015, scoring 24 goals in 342 appearances, and winning 13 titles, including 5 Premier League titles and one Champions League. After playing for West Ham and Stoke City before retiring in 2020, Fletcher returned to Man Utd, undertaking various roles such as supporting the first team coaching staff and youth teams. He served as an important bridge to bring players from the academy to the first team. However, Fletcher's coaching ability has not been extensively tested.

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)