Darren Fletcher reveals who will lead Manchester United against Brighton in FA Cup | OneFootball

The Red Devils host the Seagulls on Sunday afternoon

Darren Fletcher has confirmed that he will remain in the Manchester United dugout for Sunday’s FA Cup third-round clash with Brighton.

The former Scotland and United midfielder oversaw an entertaining 2-2 draw at Burnley on Wednesday evening, marking his first match as interim head coach after the sacking of Ruben Amorim two days prior.

Burnley went ahead 13 minutes in when Ayden Heaven inadvertently turned Bashir Humphreys’ cross into his own net but United – having dispensed with Amorim’s much-maligned 3-4-3 formation, – responded excellently.

They saw two shots cleared off the line and Lisandro Martinez had a goal disallowed for a foul before Benjamin Sesko scored twice in 10 second-half minutes to turn the game on its head.

But it wasn’t long before Jaidon Anthony levelled for the hosts and United were unable to find a winner in the time that remained, coming closest when teenaged substitute Shea Lacey struck the crossbar late on.

Still, there were certainly signs of life in the visiting squad - especially striker Sesko, who grew into the game after a slow start and had several chances for a hat-trick after going nine games without scoring - while Fletcher’s switch to a back four will likely please fans and the club’s hierarchy alike.

Darren Fletcher during Wednesday’s game against Burnley

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After full-time, the Scot was pressed by reporters about where he stands in the longer term managerial race as well as who will be on the Old Trafford touchline come 4.30pm on Sunday, when United begin their FA Cup tie against the Seagulls.

In response to the latter question, he said: “I’ve spoken to the board, I’ll be in charge for the Brighton game and then we’ll take it from there again. It’s one game at a time.”

He added: “There was a feeling that [him staying in charge against Brighton] might have been the case from Monday [when Amorim was fired], but we wanted to focus on Burnley.

“But yes, I’m tasked with leading the team on Sunday, so all my focus and energy goes to that now.”

United fans also sang the names of both Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick – the two leading contenders to take charge for the rest of the season – during the Burnley match, but Fletcher would not be drawn on his possible aspirations to be in that conversation as well.

“I’m only focusing on the next game and the job at hand,” he said.

“There’s a lot to do and it’s a big responsibility so my full focus just now is the short-term, and that’s the game against Brighton.”