Darren Fletcher has handed an update on Manchester United’s current injury list as they prepare to face Burnley away from home on Wednesday.
Manchester United travel to Burnley on Wednesday night in unusual circumstances after Rúben Amorim was dismissed from his role on Monday morning.
The decision followed a 1-1 draw with Leeds on Sunday, after which the United head coach launched a scathing post-match tirade, accusing the club’s hierarchy of failing to provide him with sufficient backing and authority during a turbulent run of form.
In the wake of Amorim’s departure, Under-18s head coach Darren Fletcher is set to step into the dugout, with the possibility that he could also oversee Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Brighton at Old Trafford.
United currently sit sixth in the Premier League standings, level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea, and remain firmly in the race to secure Champions League qualification.
Fletcher hands update on United’s injuries
United will remain without Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad due to their involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, with a further five players unavailable for the last few games.
Bruno Fernandes sustained a hamstring injury against Aston Villa last month, just hours after Kobbie Mainoo was ruled out with a calf problem. At the same time, Mason Mount has been unavailable since his injury against Newcastle a few weeks ago.
Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire have also been out with injuries for around two months, although the latter was spotted in training a few weeks ago and could return soon.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Fletcher provided the latest on his squad, stating, “Mason and Bruno were pushing to play against Leeds. The decision was that they weren’t quite ready, so they’ve trained.
“They should be back in the squad, but they’ll be on managed minutes as well, restricted minutes because obviously they’ve just returned to training.
“That’s good news, especially the fact that they’ve been in good form. Mason Mount’s form has been fantastic, and we don’t have to speak about Bruno.
“He’s the captain, he’s the leader of the team, so to have them available for selection is great news for me and for the players and for the club and for the fans.”
Further, the interim boss hinted that Mainoo could return to action, saying, “Kobbie actually did a part of the session today [Tuesday], but he’s going to have to be assessed tomorrow [Wednesday], so that was part of the plan.”
New-found freedom could help reset United’s season
Since Amorim’s sacking, multiple reports have emerged suggesting he was sabotaging his way out of United following a breakdown in relations with director of football Jason Wilcox, who suggested he become more tactically flexible.
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It’s known that Wilcox favours a 4-3-3 over Amorim’s 3-4-2-1. Still, despite United playing well with a back four against Bournemouth and Newcastle, Amorim reverted to his back-three and drew against Wolves and Leeds in what now looks to be an act of defiance.
With the 40-year-old out of the door, United will likely revert to a back four under Fletcher and whoever comes in as the caretaker manager, which would allow the Reds to play with much more freedom.
It has been reported that some of United’s key players felt too restricted in their roles under Amorim, and the change in appointment will likely allow United’s men to play with more freedom and expression.
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