Manchester United interim head coach Darren Fletcher says he has held no discussions about his future at the club and insists his full attention has been on preparing the team for their FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton.
Fletcher was placed in temporary charge for two matches following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim and will oversee the fixture before United appoint a caretaker manager for the remainder of the season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick are regarded as the leading candidates to take on that role, though it remains unclear whether Fletcher will continue as part of the first-team coaching staff or return to his previous position as United’s under-18s coach.
The former United and Scotland midfielder confirmed he has not spoken to minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe since Amorim’s departure, nor has he held talks with chief executive Omar Berrada or director of football Jason Wilcox about his role beyond the Brighton match.
“There have been no thoughts or conversations over my future,” Fletcher said. “I speak to Omar and Jason, that’s how the process works. They have given me full responsibility to take control of these two games, to make my own decisions, to lead the team, guide the team and prepare the team.
“That’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve been focusing on the job at hand and preparing the team for these two games.”
Senior figures at Old Trafford are understood to have been impressed by Fletcher’s approach this week, both in his preparation on the training ground and in how he has handled the external pressures that come with stepping into the role on an interim basis.
Fletcher also addressed criticism of United’s academy made by Amorim during his time in charge, speaking publicly on the issue for the first time.
Amorim did not start a single academy-produced player in the Premier League this season and had questioned the attitude and readiness of several young players, drawing particular attention to Harry Amass and striker Chido Obi.
He also suggested there was a sense of entitlement among some of United’s youth prospects, comments that caused frustration among club officials.
As a product of the academy himself, and having previously served as technical director and most recently overseen the under-18s, Fletcher handed opportunities to young players during his interim spell, introducing Kobbie Mainoo and Shea Lacey in the draw at Turf Moor.
Lacey, making only his second senior appearance at the age of 18, came close to winning the match with a curling effort from 20 yards that struck the crossbar.
“Historically, this club is built around the academy,” Fletcher said. “Our record speaks for itself. We’ve got some amazing talent and what I see is a lot of hardworking, humble young players, honest and coachable, who aren’t perfect because they’re young and they’re learning.
“We ask too much of young people in society at times. We have to let them learn, educate them, help them and understand they will make mistakes. With good guidance, all of us play a part in developing them to be Manchester United players. Hopefully they can showcase themselves like Shea did.”