After the surprise sacking of Ruben Amorim earlier this week, Manchester United have worked themselves into an awkward spot. Rumours are already swirling about who Manchester United's new manager will be, but for now, United must work with what they have, and employ a caretaker manager.
The season will keep coming no matter the turmoil behind the scenes at Carrington, and United need a manager in the short term, so they have turned to former United midfielder Darren Fletcher. Fletcher, 41, has the unfortunate label of inexperience: in fact, he has never taken charge of a first-team professional football game at any level.
What you need to know about Darren Fletcher, Man United's caretaker manager
Darren Fletcher's only managerial experience comes as Manchester United's under-18's manager, where he has led the team to second place in their division, averaging just under two points a game. While not much can be gleamed from his time as under-18's coach, he has proven himself at least capable in a managerial and coaching position.
Darren Fletcher has been heavily involved behind the scenes at Old Trafford for a number of years. He initially joined as a coach for the under-16s, but was brought in as a first-team coach in 2021 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. After Solskjaer's removal as manager, later that year, he transitioned to a role as technical director, a role now occupied by Jason Wilcox.
Fletcher was apparently a vocal member of the coaching staff on the training ground, even once he was technical director, and is a deeply embedded member of the club. He is well-liked, and deeply passionate about the club he played for almost his entire career.
Darren Fletcher had his first trial for United at just 12 year old, and gained something of a reputation in his early years in the first team as one of Sir Alex's Ferguson's favourites, sparking rumours that Fletcher was only playing due to the fact he represented Scotland at international level.
Fletcher soon gained a foothold in the team, and was one of the most reliable players for Manchester United in the 2000s, although his role diminished as the decade went on. He eventually departed Manchester United in 2015 after 223 appearances for the club, concluding his career with spells at West Brom and Stoke City before retiring in 2019.
Above all, Manchester United runs in Darren Fletcher's blood. He has been a dedicated servant to the club, both as a player and since in coaching roles. His twin sons, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, have both come through the academy, and both were included on the bench in Ruben Amorim's final game in charge against Leeds.
Whether or not he is manager for any length of time, or if it is just a handful of games both a permanent or temporary replacement is found, Darren Fletcher is the sort of leadership United fans should welcome, at least right now.
Fletcher is a man at one with Manchester United. He has long-term connections with the club, he deeply understands the culture of youth, courage and success that Manchester United should stand for. He is a man in the mould of United's greatest ever manager. A return to the kind of man that led United to the promised land should be a welcome one in a time of such chaos.