Manchester United officially announced Fletcher to lead the team against Brighton! Coach Fletcher regrets not winning and is unhappy about Lima's disallowed goal.

Despite the 2-2 draw at Burnley, the club announced that caretaker manager Darren Fletcher will remain in charge and guide the team for the upcoming FA Cup third-round clash with Brighton on Sunday. Fletcher will make his debut as Manchester United’s head coach at Old Trafford.

Fletcher himself confirmed after the game that the two key figures watching at Turf Moor — CEO Omar Berrada and Sporting Director Jason Wilcox — had informed him of the decision. “I was notified that they officially want me to lead the team for Sunday’s match,” Fletcher said at the post-match press conference. “I had a feeling from Monday that this might happen, but I was focused on the Burnley game. Now, I will continue to lead the team on Sunday and will put all my energy and focus into it again.”

During the Burnley match, Fletcher was supported by Manchester United U21 head coach Travis Binnion and his assistant Alan Wright, along with Jonny Evans, who recently left but has now returned to the coaching staff. They will continue their roles. Under Amroli’s management, Manchester United previously defeated Brighton 4-2 at home in the Premier League, and Fletcher must achieve a similar result to keep the club’s only title hope alive this season.

Fletcher expressed his disappointment that Manchester United failed to beat Burnley. The Red Devils fired 30 shots in the match, with striker Sheshko alone taking 8 shots and 7 on target, nearly matching his total from the previous two games. Against Leeds, Sheshko had 3 shots with none on target; versus Wolves, he had 6 shots with 4 on target.

This brings to mind the private conversation Fletcher had with Sheshko before the game. Fletcher commented, “I’m genuinely happy for Benjamin (Sheshko). Yesterday, we talked and watched video clips together, showing his movement and goals to help him see how he can reach his best form. He needs to maintain his confidence, and his teammates must provide him with more passes. Tonight, he delivered by scoring two fantastic goals. It must have been an uplifting evening for Benjamin.”

However, the 2-2 result was naturally not ideal for Manchester United. Fletcher admitted, “From my perspective, the draw is very disappointing. Considering the many chances we created — 30 shots, with opponents clearing the ball off the line multiple times and one goal disallowed — we generated enough opportunities to win. So, only earning one point is obviously frustrating.”

Fletcher believes that Lisandro Martinez’s goal in the first half should not have been ruled out, as he felt Lima’s actions during the corner kick were normal. “It looked like the usual physical battles that happen every corner, so the referee’s decision was surprising. Compared to the overall refereeing standards in the Premier League this season and the intensity of physical contact on set pieces, I’ve seen worse actions in nearly every set piece, so I’m quite surprised by the call. We have to accept it, but it is indeed frustrating.”

According to slow-motion replays, Fletcher’s complaint has some merit. The penalty area was filled with similar holding and pulling actions like Lima’s, involving both Manchester United players against Burnley and vice versa. It can be said that Kyle Walker showed great experience by timing his fall precisely, exaggerating Lima’s movement to draw the referee’s attention, as it was indeed a foul.

Manchester United trailed 0-1 at halftime, with Fletcher rushing back to the dressing room. After the break, the team quickly scored two goals to take the lead. Fletcher revealed his halftime instructions: “I encouraged the players to perform better. I felt the team was somewhat relaxed in the first half, though they improved as the game went on. The start wasn’t ideal. The players needed to put in more energy, pass faster, and increase the pace of the game with more forward runs. The players responded well in the second half and created many chances. I’m very happy with Benjamin’s two goals, but we should have scored more, which is an area to improve. Also, conceding two goals again is disappointing.”

Reflecting on his debut as head coach, Fletcher said, “It was an unforgettable experience. I’m disappointed we didn’t win, and that feeling is undeniable. But to lead the team in preparation, to step out on the pitch, and to receive support from the fans — all of that was enjoyable. It’s a great honor, but I still can’t get over not winning, which is the most disappointing part for me.”

Looking ahead to his home debut, Fletcher said, “I’ve spoken with the board, and I will be in charge of the match against Brighton. After that, we will reassess the situation. We have to take it one game at a time, so first we recover from this match and then prepare for Sunday’s FA Cup game against Brighton.”