Darren Fletcher has told Man Utd players to fight for their futures and the club could learn a lot about some of their employees over the next few weeks.
Manchester United players
Manchester United players have 17 games left to save their season(Image: )
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"True character reveals itself in difficult times." That was the view of Darren Fletcher, who has already been through one season that ended Manchester United careers and is now involved with another.
The 41-year-old was part of the coaching staff when United fell apart under Ralf Rangnick four years ago and although this squad is clearly more unified than that group, Fletcher accepts it could be another season when some players fail the kind of test that Old Trafford offers.
United have fallen at the first hurdle in both cup competitions and will play just 40 games this season. If Michael Carrick is to take charge for the remainder of the season, he has just 17 games in four-and-a-half months. There will be long gaps between games, but as miserable as everything feels right now, Champions League qualification is still a possibility this season.
Fletcher used his press conference after the defeat to Brighton to lay down that challenge to the players, while making it abundantly clear it is up to them to raise themselves as well. If they fail to do so, then it might spell the end for a few.
"True character reveals itself in difficult times. We learned a lot about a lot of the players in that situation [in 2021/22]," said Fletcher. "That will be the same about these lads now. In difficult times, true character is going to show. So they have to dig in, show they want to be part of Manchester United's future, learn from this.
"And ultimately, if you're not, then I don't think you should be here or will be here. Sounds strong, but that's just the reality and the way it should be."
Every player should take that advice on board and deliver a run of performances in training and on the pitch that shows the future can belong to them. If United qualify for the Champions League this season, a campaign in danger of being wasted will be salvaged and the future will look brighter.
Whatever happens, there is a group of players who have probably done enough to be part of the club next season. They include summer signings Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, although Cunha is at a point where he needs to raise his game a level or two.
There are also a group of defenders who will stick around. Leny Yoro hasn't had a great season but faith in his ability to be one of Europe's top centre-backs remains high, while Ayden Heaven is clearly one for the future as well. Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez should be safe.
Noussair Mazraoui has been a reliable servant since signing from Bayern Munich and has already shown he has the right character. Luke Shaw is closer to the end than the beginning, but with his contract expiring in 2027, it would make sense to keep him for one more year.
Kobbie Mainoo's future should be safe now that Ruben Amorim has departed and Bruno Fernandes should clearly stay, although it feels like that decision will come down to what the captain wants. Amad is another whose future is rock solid.
Beyond that, there are question marks everywhere you look. Tom Heaton, Harry Maguire and Casemiro are out of contract. Maguire might yet earn an extension but there's a chance all three depart. Joshua Zirkzee might survive the January window, but he will be off in the summer, and Altay Bayindir is also likely to want a move. Tyrell Malacia's United career has long been over.
Diogo Dalot might consider himself unfortunate to be on the list, but the 26-year-old has had a disappointing season and at some point it feels like there will be an upgrade at right-back. Patrick Dorgu needs to prove he can hit the heights required of a United player, either at left-back or on the wing.
Manuel Ugarte has rarely looked up to the task since moving from Paris St-Germain and needs a big finish to the season. The same could arguably be true for Mason Mount, who has had a better season but still has question marks around his fitness and the level of his contribution. In a year when the midfield is set for a major revamp, the former Chelsea man is vulnerable.
For all of those players, the next few weeks and months will be a litmus test. It is one they need to pass.