Manchester United’s crisis deepens after FA Cup humiliation by Brighton, with caretaker boss Darren Fletcher admitting the squad’s confidence is shattered
DARREN Fletcher admitted Manchester United’s “fragile” players have lost their confidence after Sunday’s FA Cup exit against Brighton left Old Trafford in turmoil.
Managerless and out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82, United have rarely been at a lower ebb. The 2-1 loss marked their first FA Cup third round defeat since 2014.
Furious fans filled the air with boos and chanted against co-owners Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family throughout the match. Caretaker boss Fletcher, who stepped up from his role as Under-18 coach after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal, acknowledged the dressing room’s lack of belief.
“You could see the players are fragile but they’ve got to respond. Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football so when you don’t have it, you have to dig deep,” he said.
United’s hierarchy plan to hire an interim boss until the end of the season, buying time to search for Amorim’s permanent successor. Former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and ex-midfielder Michael Carrick have been linked with the temporary post.
The club’s turmoil has clearly affected the team’s morale, according to defender Diogo Dalot. “It’s really difficult,” Dalot said. “It’s always a period that you have to find ways to solve problems really quickly.”
United are four games without a win and have tasted victory just once in their last seven games. They sit seventh in the Premier League, three points adrift of the top four.
With tricky games against Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal next, the atmosphere could grow even more toxic. The ‘1958 Group’ plans a demonstration against the ownership when United host Fulham on February 1.
Fletcher insisted the fans will get behind the players if they show more spirit. “I’m sure if the players show the right reaction, the fans will get behind them like they always do because there is still a lot to play for,” he said.
He may not be in charge by the time bitter rivals City visit Old Trafford on Saturday, but he knows a rough road lies ahead. “They’ve just got to come together. It’s only them in the situation and only them that can do something about it,” Fletcher added.
