FLETCHER MOVES INTO FIRST-TEAM SET-UP AT UNITED

DARREN FLETCHER has been promoted to become part of Manchester United’s first-team coaching staff by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

the former Scotland captain returned to Old trafford in October to work with the club’s Under-16s but will now join Solskjaer’s senior set-up on a full-time basis.

Fletcher spent 20 years at United as a player, joining as a schoolboy and progressing to make over 340 first-team appearances between 2003 and 2015.

he extends United’s reliance one x-players, with fellow first-team coach Michael carrick also a former teammate of Solskjaer.

Fletcher, who won five English league titles and the champions league during his playing days, told the United website: ‘I am delighted to be returning to the club as a first-team coach.

‘It is 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 stepped back from playing after leaving Stoke city in 2019 and has worked as a television pundit.

In October, he spoke of his new focus on coaching after being invited into United’s youth set-up. ‘I needed a bit of a break away from football ,’ said Fletcher. ‘I think the transition from playing to the other side has been difficult. ‘All your focus is on being a player, day in and day out, and you miss being a player. ‘I think I needed that period to step away a little bit and took my time to come away and accept not being a player anymore, moving onto my coaching badges, and this is the early stages of doing it.’ United are currently second in t he English Premier league and face a league cup semi-final first-leg derby against Manchester city tomorrow evening. ‘Darren has the United DNA running through his veins and he knows exactly what it takes to be a Manchester United player,’ said Solskjaer of the 80-times capped Scot(left). ‘he is at the start of his coaching career. his experience both on and off the pitch, along with his winning mentality, his commitment and hard work will be a great addition to the staff.’