‘Fragile’ Man United hit new low with FA Cup exit

AFP | London

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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, out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle for the first time since 1981-82 and sitting a disappointing seventh in the Premier League, United have rarely been at a lower ebb in their history.

Caretaker boss Fletcher, who stepped up from his role as United’s Under-18 coach after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal last Monday, experienced the club’s glory days as a midfielder under legendary manager Alex Ferguson.

But those trophy-filled years seem a lifetime ago for Fletcher and the furious fans who filled the air with boos throughout the 2-1 loss against Brighton.

United’s first FA Cup third round defeat since 2014 underscored the litany of problems scarring the club at present.

For now, United’s hierarchy plan to hire an interim boss until the end of the season, buying them time to search for Amorim’s permanent successor.

Former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who failed in his first spell in charge, and Michael Carrick, a decorated ex-United midfielder sacked by second tier Middlesbrough this season, have been linked with the temporary post.

Few have faith that United will hire the right manager after Amorim lasted just 14 turbulent months following the equally chaotic reign of Erik ten Hag, who was axed in 2024.