Darren Fletcher has explained his three changes as Manchester United host Brighton at Old Trafford in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.
Manchester United’s FA Cup campaign gets underway on Sunday afternoon, with Brighton the visitors to Old Trafford.
The Reds have already faced a heavy workload this season, playing 22 competitive fixtures, 21 in the Premier League, as well as a Carabao Cup second-round defeat to Grimsby Town. The start of cup action therefore offers a welcome change of scenery.
It follows a turbulent period at the club, with Rúben Amorim dismissed on Monday before United were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley on Wednesday night. Despite the disruption, there were positives to take, including a brace from Benjamin Šeško and a cameo appearance from 18-year-old Shea Lacey.
Sunday’s meeting with Brighton also arrives amid uncertainty on the managerial front, as the search continues for a caretaker to guide the side through to the end of the 2025/26 season. Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick remain among the frontrunners.
Fletcher explains three changes vs Brighton
With kick-off approaching, interim boss Darren Fletcher made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Burnley on Wednesday evening. Leny Yoro comes in for Ayden Heaven at centre-back, while Kobbie Mainoo is in for Casemiro in midfield.
Additionally, Luke Shaw has been left out of the squad entirely, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu covering at right-back, with Mason Mount taking the available spot on the right flank. United have confirmed that Shaw’s omission is due to a rotation decision, not injury.
Speaking to MUTV ahead of the tie, Fletcher explained that it’s “important” that he manages the load of his current squad while giving minutes and chances to those looking to break back in.
“Mainly because the players have had a busy schedule, there’s been a lot of games, some of the players’ loads have gone, you know, really high,” Fletcher explained.
“Skeleton squad with injuries, players at AFCon, so I felt it was important that those players, especially Luke and Case, played a lot in minutes. So just trying to freshen them up, keep them right, don’t want to risk any more injuries, and then also give opportunities to some other players.”
An important day for Mainoo
While Mount and Yoro’s returns to the XI are also important for the duo as they look to fight for their spots in the team, today is most important for Mainoo.
Read More: Not Mbeumo or Amad – Man Utd have missed key contributions from one star, Solskjær would love him
The 20-year-old is yet to start a Premier League tie this campaign, having dropped in the pecking order by Amorim due to a perceived lack of physicality, but with a return to a back four and midfield three, he has the chance to shine again.
Mainoo looked alright when he came on against Burnley amid his return from a recent calf injury, although his passing looked a bit wayward at points – although this could be expected from a player who’s not played 90 minutes for almost five months.
For the tie against Brighton, he will be in an environment that loves him at his home ground, and it’s the perfect chance for the English talent to remind everyone just how good he is.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.