Darren Fletcher rejects Manchester United role

The focus at Old Trafford is firmly on the dugout as Manchester United prepare for another defining weekend in the Premier League.

Training ground routines have shifted quickly, with players adjusting to new voices and fresh instructions ahead of the Manchester derby.

Supporters have been dissecting every detail, from tactical shape to who will be standing on the touchline.

Behind the scenes, the club has prioritised experience and calm after a turbulent spell earlier this month.

That approach has shaped not only who has come in, but also who has quietly stepped aside.

Michael Carrick is set to take charge as Manchester United’s interim head coach, but one notable figure has chosen a different path.

Carrick’s appointment will be confirmed soon, with the former United midfielder preparing to oversee training for the first time on Wednesday alongside his newly assembled staff.

Former England No.2 Steve Holland will join Carrick as his assistant, marking his return to the Premier League after several years away from English club football.

Holland, 55, was a key part of Gareth Southgate’s England setup and previously enjoyed a long and successful spell at Chelsea before his recent dismissal from Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos in April.

Jonny Evans, Jonathan Woodgate and Travis Binnion will also form part of Carrick’s coaching team as United look for continuity blended with fresh ideas.

Woodgate previously worked closely with Carrick at Middlesbrough, while Evans and Binnion were already assisting Darren Fletcher during the recent matches against Burnley and Brighton.

Evans was appointed as a first-team coach before the trip to Turf Moor, and Binnion was promoted from his academy role, with the club deciding he will remain with the senior setup for the rest of the season.

Carrick emerged as the leading candidate after impressing chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox in face-to-face talks last Thursday, with his calm authority and clear vision resonating strongly.

His first match in charge will be Saturday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford, a baptism of fire that underlines the scale of the task ahead.

Despite being offered the opportunity to remain on the first-team staff under Carrick, Darren Fletcher has chosen to return to his role as Under-18s head coach, as reported by The Mirror.

The 41-year-old was always aware his caretaker spell would be limited to two games following Ruben Amorim’s exit, overseeing a draw at Burnley and a defeat at Brighton.

United were keen to retain Fletcher’s presence around the senior squad, but the Scot opted instead for stability and continuity in his youth development role.

As Carrick steps back into the Old Trafford spotlight, Fletcher’s choice adds an intriguing layer to a reshaped coaching structure designed to steady United through the remainder of the campaign.