101
Darren Fletcher has spoken to the media ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup match against Brighton at Old Trafford.
This was the embargo portion of the pre-match press conference.
The first question was about Ben Sesko, who scored a brace against Burnley on Wednesday.
“It seems like you’ve done wonders in 48 hours with Benjamin Sesko. How much potential do you see in this squad? It’s obviously been a pretty tough season so far. How much potential do you see? For you or the next person that comes along, how much can they get out of this group of players now?”
Fletcher replied:
“Well, first of all, I think Ben is the one who crosses the white line. He did it for himself. Look, I said we showed a video, but Ben has worked very, very hard. He’s a diligent boy. He trains well. He judges his games carefully. So he’s been aiming for that moment. I’m lucky that it came in the match I was in charge of, so I’m more than happy for him.”
“There is a lot of potential in this squad, and I think potential is a good word, because you can see a number of young players learning their trade and developing at Manchester United under the biggest microscope, under the most intense pressure. So within that they will have to learn quickly, but they will have to develop a thick skin and deal with the pressure that comes with that.”
“But I said it the other day: that’s Manchester United. And as quickly as they can learn to deal with that, accept that, we have to help them. Experienced players have to help them, the staff of coaches have to help them, managers have to help them, everyone in the club has to help them. The biggest thing for me is the support from the fans, being there on the pitch, understanding these things. But I can’t ask any questions about that because the fans were away from home last night and in the home stadium, I think. They were fantastic with the players. So If you look at it separately on match day, I think the players are in a good environment to improve, learn and continue to develop.”
A reporter then asked:
“I don’t know if you remember this, but after Jose was sacked and Ole came in, you said the club risked writing off the season by hiring a caretaker. I don’t expect you to say this will be the case here and that you have the right to change your mind, but do you think there should be some clarity about who will be in charge for the rest of the season sooner rather than later?”
This brought a smile to the interim coach, who replied:
“That’s good research! I was young and naive when I said that, weren’t I? No, that was my feeling at the time. Then I thought, I was speaking in the context of probably being outside the game and not being involved from within. I think the most important thing for me is that it’s not my decision. And ultimately the club has to do what they think is best. The people higher up in the roles at the club have to do what they think is best. They have to do what they think is best. know what their plan is for the success of Manchester United. And I am sure they will do that. I think they will be strong enough to accept that pressure and deal with it, and to make the right decision for what is best for them and for what Manchester United is.”
Will JJ Gabriel play against Brighton?
The next question concerned 15-year-old prodigy JJ Gabriel. The reporter asked Fletcher, who was in charge of the Under 18s, if he could give any insight about him and whether he will be in the squad tomorrow.
“Well, that could be the case, but it won’t be, because obviously anyone can be picked,” Fletcher replied. “But JJ is a fantastic talent. I’ve really enjoyed working with him and getting to know him. He’s a young kid with a lot of hype. There’s a lot of noise around him, and rightly so, because he’s a really talented kid. He works hard. He loves football. The first thing I’ll say is he loves football. He loves training, he loves playing, he loves having the ball, he loves expressing himself. He makes fantastic decisions. He just has an enthusiasm for the game that’s just great.”
“15 years old, a bright future for him. I’m super excited about his talent, but the most important thing is that he continues to develop, and he is in the Under-18 team and he is doing fantastically well, but he still has a lot to learn. He is developing within that. But the world is his oyster, and he just needs to continue his journey, and his time will come in due time.”
“But at the moment it’s still a bit early, I think, and I think a lot of people will agree with me. But I can’t say enough about JJ. He’s got a great family, a great support around him, and he’s someone we’re very happy to have at the club. We just hope that he continues to improve, learns every day, and just continues to be the boy he is, really, and enjoys it, who likes to play football, express himself and score a lot of goals, so that Manchester United will be among the 18 years of winning every match and then I’m a happy man.”
Does he think he should remain manager until the end of the season?
“You used to be the technical director here,” a reporter noted. “You work at the academy. You’ve been here for five years, I think. So you’re not actually surprised. You’re not the obvious choice to be interim because that’s not why you’re here after all. To get to know the club, the club inside and out. Aren’t you surprised that they haven’t actually come to you and said please do it for the rest of the season?”
The Scot replied:
“No, I was surprised to be offered the two games because I didn’t expect it. I don’t think that way. I think about the job I have to do. I really do. So it wasn’t something that was on my radar at all. But if I’m asked to do it, I know I can do it. I know I enjoy doing it. I know the environment. I believe in myself. I feel like I’ve learned a lot in the five years I’ve been here.” I’ve had great experiences as a player. I have taken the time to develop and learn in other areas off the field. I’m glad I did that because I think it’s put me in a great position or a better position now than it would have been five years ago. academic, technical, or of course coaching and leadership.”
“Exactly. That’s why I say you seem like the obvious choice,” the reporter continued.
“Maybe. I appreciate you saying that,” he replied. “But honestly, it’s two games. I’m the obvious one… It’s a great choice for these two games, hopefully and fortunately a great opportunity. But that’s all my focus and energy going into right now. Everything beyond that is out of my control.”
The last question was:
“How did you find this experience? Because it’s such an all-consuming job. Did it make you think you’d like to be a regular number one in the future, or are you desperate to get back to the under-18s, where the spotlight and pressure might be a little less?”
Fletcher replied:
“I’ve always been very relaxed about my future. I’ve enjoyed it. I really have. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of it. It’s great. I’ve tried to enjoy it. I’ve tried to go with my instincts. Like I said, I think I’m pretty well prepared. I’ve always tried to prepare myself to be a manager. It’s something I always thought I might be quite good at, or something I would enjoy doing or enjoy the challenge of.”
“But at the same time, I wanted to be very careful and make sure that if that moment came, I was ready, but it’s not something that I’m saying that I’m desperate. I think circumstances in life dictate where you are, health, family, a lot of different factors dictate that.”
“I have two young boys who are just starting their football careers and that will pass. I have another set of young twin girls, who take up a lot of my time. So yes, those things are really what I think about. And I have experienced how intense it has been as a manager for less than a week. So yes, there is not much time for much outside of family life and things outside of football.”
“So I want to prepare myself to be a manager, and that opportunity may come for me one day, and I will be ready for it. But if it doesn’t, I will be more than comfortable with that. And if it remains as an Under-18 coach, I am very happy and enjoying doing that, and I am going to help develop players for Manchester United.”
The first part of the press conference is available here.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
The Peoples Person has been one of Man United’s most important news sites for over ten years. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
#word #Darren #Fletchers #embargoed #press #conference #Brighton #Man #United #News #Transfer #News #Peoples #Person