Darren Fletcher sends Man Utd icons clear message after WhatsApp texts revealed
Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher says he won’t ask former teammates-turned-pundits to go easy on the club despite struggles under Ruben Amorim
Darren Fletcher has no plans to ask his former teammates, who are now media pundits, to tone down their criticism of his Manchester United side, despite mounting pressure under Ruben Amorim’s stewardship. During a recent press conference, Amorim hinted that even club bosses were being influenced by harsh words from personalities such as Gary Neville.
The former right-back is part of a cohort of United legends who have shared their views through their broadcasting work, with Roy Keane and Paul Scholes also delivering particularly scathing assessments. These attacks have knocked the confidence of certain players and created tension between the squad and some United icons, but Fletcher reckons those currently wearing the jersey should embrace the pressure that comes with representing the club.
“You can’t ask them to go easier because they’re passionate guys and I think they’re right to their opinion and they’re really good,” Fletcher remarked about the critical pundits he once shared a pitch with. “They’re engaging, they’re good to listen to. I enjoy listening to them, you know. I had years of listening to them in the dressing room and I used to sit and listen to them and take it all in.
“Outside noise, ex-players, it’s difficult to deal with, it’s not easy because those players have won everything. They’ve got success behind them, they’ve got trophies, so it’s hard to criticise them back because they’ve got their medals on the table, so it’s really, really difficult.
“But again, that’s what it is being a Manchester United player. Get your head around it, learn how you’re going to deal with it, and embrace the challenge.”
Former United skipper Rio Ferdinand has disclosed that a WhatsApp group containing ex-Red Devils stars, including Fletcher, has been alive with messages following the former midfielder’s appointment as interim manager, reports the Mirror.
“I’m really excited to see him, I mean the Man United [ex-players] WhatsApp group is popping off as you can imagine with congratulations and good luck messages to Fletch,” Ferdinand revealed on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
“I think he’ll be ejecting himself [from the group], or won’t be answering. Let me just check and see if he’s answered already because he ain’t been as active since he’s been the Under-18s manager.
“Let me just see. Fletch, where are you? Nope. You’ve got Youngy, Edwin van der Sar, Anders Lindergaard and myself all wishing him good luck. I think [the good luck messages] will be coming in more and more over the next couple of minutes.”
While the constant criticism following a string of underwhelming displays and disappointing seasons has been seen internally as damaging, Fletcher turned the story on its head and urged players to value the support they receive within Old Trafford.
Despite their recent struggles, United fans have largely remained supportive of the team, a sentiment that Fletcher believes might not be the case at other clubs given United’s disappointing sixth, eighth and 15th-place finishes in three of the last four seasons.
“People want to win football games, people want to be entertained, people have a standard of what Manchester United is and what Manchester United expects,” Fletcher said.
