Manchester United 1-2 Brighton reaction and talking points after FA Cup exit
Man Utd were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton at Old Trafford in what could be the final match for Darren Fletcher.
Darren Fletcher has urged the next Manchester United caretaker head coach 'not to waste the season' after they were dumped out of the FA Cup by Brighton.
United have now been knocked out of both cup competitions at the first hurdle and are already without European football after their dismal trophyless campaign a year ago. United played 60 matches across all competitions last season, but will play just 40 competitive games this campaign. It will be the fewest number of matches they have played in a full season since the 1914/15 campaign.
The club targeted a top-six finish in the Premier League this season and sit 7th in the division ahead of their Manchester derby clash with Man City next weekend. A top five finish could be enough to secure Champions League qualification and Fletcher still believes the squad is capable of that achievement despite their continued struggles.
Read More
Fletcher sends message to next caretaker head coach
Darren Fletcher appeared to take charge of his final match as Manchester United interim head coach when they lost 2-1 to Brighton in the FA Cup third round. The 41-year-old showed signs of promise during his week in the hot seat, but was unable to win either of his matches in charge of the club.
Fletcher will report to Carrington on Monday morning for further guidance on his future before United who should lead them for the remainder of the campaign. The club plans to hire a temporary caretaker head coach and then a permanent successor to Ruben Amorim in the summer.
Speaking after the Brighton defeat, he urged whoever is in caretaker charge for the rest of the season not to waste the opportunity they had. "It is not a great moment, let’s be honest, out of the cups early but there is still a Champions League place to fight for and that can be achieved this season," he said in his post-match press conference. "It is not what the fans want to hear because Manchester United should be winning cups. All the focus should be on improving as a team and don’t waste the season. Anything other than that is just noise."
When pushed for his verdict on his spell in charge, Fletcher said: "I have to report tomorrow morning to Carrington, that is all I know. I will find out tomorrow morning. I have had zero indications. All my focus has been on this It is a massive responsibility to lead this club and I have given it my best and I am disappointed not to win a game. I think there are some good things there but ultimately it wasn’t enough. I am more disappointed than anyone. I have had my time as a player, loved every minute of it."
Continue Reading