Man United players are vulnerable and need to build themselves up: interim manager Fletcher after FA Cup exit

Manchester United interim manager Darren Fletcher said Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford exposed the fragile nature of the squad.

There was almost silence as the final whistle blew as the 1-2 third round defeat ended United’s hopes of success, as cheers rang out as the players trudged off the pitch.

Former United midfielder Fletcher left his role as coach of the club’s under-18s to take charge of the first team following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week.

But after a 2-2 draw with Burnley in the Premier League, his hopes of a boost at Old Trafford were frustrated when former United player Danny Welbeck scored for the visiting side after Brajan Gruda had given the side an early lead.

“It was mixed actually, we started well but the goal scared the hell out of us,” Fletcher said. «Our passing was quite slow, so I challenged them at half-time. It was similar to the game of the week, we had to move the ball with more pace.»

«When we were back at 2-1 I thought: here we go, the crowd was up, the energy was up, but in the end we couldn’t get the equalizer. I think you can see that the players are vulnerable and have to build themselves up. It’s up to them to respond.»

United are expected to announce an interim manager for the rest of the season next week, but Fletcher said whoever that is, it is up to the players to dig deep.

“Confidence is the most powerful thing in football, but when you don’t have it you have to dig deep, fight, grind and work and work to win games and then the confidence will come back.”

United have failed to survive a round in any of the domestic cup competitions for the first time since 1981-82, and without European football the season is in danger of collapse.

However, they sit seventh in the Premier League and just a point behind fifth, which is likely a Champions League qualifying spot.

«They are experienced players. They have to make sure they have a lot to play this season,» he said. “This team is still good enough to be successful this season, but they need to dig deep.”

Fletcher was critical of referee Simon Hooper for giving teenager Shea Lacey a second yellow card for throwing the ball down in frustration towards the end.

“Shea Lacey’s yellow card is ridiculous compared to the mistakes we had against us all game, which ultimately resulted in the boy making a mistake and being sent off,” Fletcher said.

“For me it’s a bad referee.”

Lacey apologized and said he had let the club down.

“I would like to apologize to all my teammates, staff and fans,” he posted on social media. «I let everyone down tonight. I shouldn’t let my emotions get the best of me. I will do everything I can to make this right.»

Published on January 12, 2026