Man Utd appoint ex-player Darren Fletcher to coaching staff

Manchester United have announced the appointment of former player Darren Fletcher as a first-team coach in manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff.

Adding further to the idea of ‘United DNA’, Fletcher is now the third ex-player working under Solskjaer, himself obviously a club legend, alongside Mike Phelan and Michael Carrick.

Meanwhile, Nicky Butt is head of first-team development, while Michael Clegg is also a coach with the first-team and Neil Wood is leading the Under-23 squad.

“Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player,” Solskjaer told ManUtd.com.

“He is at the start of his coaching career and his experience both on and off the pitch along with his winning mentality, commitment and hard work will be a great addition to the staff.”

Fletcher commented: “I am delighted to be returning to the club as a first -team coach. It’s a very exciting time for this young team and I am looking forward to taking the next steps in my coaching career by working with Ole and his staff.”

The 36-year-old, who was previously linked with a return to Old Trafford in a technical director capacity or as part of a transfer committee, wound down his playing career with Stoke in 2019.

Fletcher, who joined West Brom when he left Old Trafford in 2015, had previously spent 20 years with United from first being scouted as a child. He progressed to the first-team in 2003 while still a teenager and played 342 games as a valued servant of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Fletcher won five Premier League titles with United, as well as the FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup, but his career at the very highest level was curtailed when he was diagnosed with and began treatment for ulcerative colitis in 2011.

With his illness a factor, he only played 50 further games in his last four seasons at the club.

Solskjaer recently credited a shift in mentality for United’s impressive form and surge up the Premier League into second place – level on points with leaders Liverpool.

"I think we have competition for places, which means you cannot go around and think you can fake your way through being part of this team. You only deserve to be in a team that you contribute in,” the boss explained.

"I think everyone's just realised we're privileged to be part of Man United - such a fantastic club and fantastic history. When you're here, enjoy it as much as you can and maybe you'll experience some fantastic times.”

Having Fletcher on board will only add to that as he brings his own experiences.

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