As Darren Fletcher prepares ahead of Manchester United’s clash against Burnley, he is already tasked with making one huge decision ahead of the fixture.
Manchester United’s post-Rúben Amorim era begins on Wednesday evening, as Darren Fletcher prepares his side to face Burnley.
After The Reds’ 1-1 draw with Leeds on Sunday afternoon, Amorim went on a lengthy rant, blaming some of the board members for a lack of control and uncertain transfers amid a run of poor results.
Fletcher, who is the U18s head coach, will be promoted to the first team and take charge on the touchline against Burnley, with the possibility of also leading his side out at Old Trafford for their FA Cup tie against Brighton, before a caretaker manager is identified.
United sit sixth in the Premier League, level on points with Chelsea, and just three points off Liverpool in fourth, as the club’s Champions League ambitions continue.
Fletcher set to make huge decision on Bruno Fernandes
Since joining the club in January 2020, Bruno Fernandes had missed just two games through injury, so when fans saw him substituted against Aston Villa, concern was immediately raised.
It was soon confirmed that the club captain had sustained a hamstring injury and looked set to be out of the squad until at least the end of January.
Despite this, as reported by centredevils, his return may come sooner than anyone thought, with it being reported that Fernandes has returned to grass training and has been “begging” the coaches to let him play again.
While the Portuguese midfielder is undoubtedly United’s biggest contributor to the side, Darren Fletcher is due to make a huge decision as he weighs up the risk of rushing back the side’s captain too early.
Fernandes’ return is crucial
Fletcher will be desperate to include Fernandes in his squad when they travel to Turf Moor on Wednesday as he looks to steady the ship following the shock dismissal of Amorim.
It is no surprise that the club’s results and performances have taken a steep downturn, picking up a 1-0 win over a poor Newcastle side, as well as back-to-back draws to bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds.
While his on-field contribution will be crucial in the games ahead, as captain, Fernandes will also be a key figure in a dressing room which will be in shock following their manager’s sudden dismissal after the Leeds game.
Man Utd have a crucial run of games coming, facing Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur in the space of three weeks, and the dressing room needs to be in good shape, both on the field and off it, should their European push not be derailed.
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