Darren Fletcher was quick to take advice from Sir Alex Ferguson after learning he would be asked to become Manchester United head coach on an interim basis following Ruben Amorim’s sudden dismissal.
Manchester United sacked Ruben Amorim on Monday morning following an outburst that saw Ineos questioned by the Portuguese coach.
The comments came from Amorim’s post-match press conference, after United drew 1-1 with Leeds at Elland Road.
United’s sudden switch in the dugout has led to Darren Fletcher taking over for the trip to Burnley in the Premier League. Meanwhile, in the background, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a strong contender to take over on a caretaker basis until the end of the season.
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Fletcher addressed the media for the first time since taking the role on Tuesday evening when he confirmed that Jonny Evans had joined his backroom team for Wednesday night’s clash.
Darren Fletcher shares details from Sir Alex Ferguson phone call
Fletcher had a lot of questions to deal with in his first press conference ahead of the game against Burnley.
The 41-year-old will be aiming to add three points to United’s season tally, with the Red Devils in contention for one of the Champions League spots – granted they can find some consistency between now and the end of the season.
When asked if he’s spoken with Sir Alex Ferguson about becoming interim coach, Fletcher admitted that his former manager was one of the first people he called to seek advice.
Ferguson gave Fletcher his blessing and reminded him of his duty to do his best for United.
“I have,” Fletcher told reporters.
“I don’t like to make any decisions or things without speaking to Sir Alex and that’s something I’ve done since I’ve been at the club and since I’ve left the club, in everything I do. I’ve got a really good relationship with Sir Alex, so he was probably the first person I phoned actually.
“I wanted to speak with him first. Ultimately, to get his blessing, to be perfectly honest with you. I think he deserves that respect. I wanted to run it by him, what he thought, and he was supportive of it and he echoed my thoughts, what I’ve always said. It’s your job to do the best for Manchester United. When you’re an employee of the club, it’s your job to do your best for Manchester United.
“It’s something that’s amazing, when he says something I try and live and believe every day. So it was comforting, for me, for him to say that.”
Name the player you are most excited to see play under Darren Fletcher in his opening game in charge….
How Darren Fletcher feels about Gary Neville criticism
Amorim made it clear that he didn’t appreciate Gary Neville’s commentary on the club.
However, Fletcher has a different take on it and doesn’t have an issue with Neville and other pundits.
“You can’t ask them to go easier, because they’re passionate guys and they have their opinion and they’re really good, they’re really engaging and good to listen to,” he added.
“I enjoy listening to them and I had years of listening to them in the dressing room and I did – I used to sit and listen to them, I used to take it all in. It’s difficult, but you have to [ignore it]. It’s winning football games that is important, winning football games, winning trophies, going on a journey. That’s life, that’s football: especially here. It’s about winning.
“You know, people want to win football games, people want to be entertained. People have a standard about what Manchester United is and what Manchester United expects.
“I think fans at Old Trafford in recent years have been amazing, if I’m honest with you. I think there’s been a few moments here and there, but in general the support the fans have given players, managers: the understanding of the situation it could have been a lot worse inside the stadium.
“I’ve probably experienced other stadiums where it has been a lot more pressured and hostile, so maybe the players have to deal with that [outside] noise more than the actual stadium pressure. That should help and I think the fans have been amazing in that.
“I’m going to sit here today and ask them to support the players, not me. Support the players and the club, because they need it, they need that help.
“Outside noise, ex-players, it’s difficult to deal with and it’s not easy because those players have won everything. They’ve got success behind them, they’ve got trophies, so it’s hard to criticise them back because they’ve got their medals on the table. It’s really, really difficult but again that’s what it is being a Manchester United player. Get your head around it, learn how you’re going to deal with it and embrace the challenge.”
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