Rio Ferdinand says the ex-Manchester United players’ WhatsApp group is buzzing with congratulations for Darren Fletcher, who takes charge against Burnley after Ruben Amorim was sacked
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that a WhatsApp group of ex-United stars is full with messages of congratulations and well wishes for Darren Fletcher.
This follows the news of Ruben Amorim’s sacking, with Fletcher poised to take over as caretaker manager, his first match in charge being against Burnley this week. Amorim oversaw United’s worst Premier League season in their history in the top flight, culminating in a loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Despite an upturn in form this season, with 31 points from 20 games, back-to-back draws against relegation-threatened Wolves and Leeds United led to Amorim’s shocking outburst in his last press conference as United boss.
The Portuguese manager launched a bizarre criticism of United’s boardroom figures, bringing his strained relationship with Jason Wilcox into the public eye.
On his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former United star shared: “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.
“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.
“I wish him well. Darren Fletcher, he’s had some big, big moments in his career and he’s also had some turmoil in his life with his health.
“He [has] a wonderful family, he’s the right kind of person that you’d want to get a chance and I just hope he goes in there and does himself justice because this is a marvellous opportunity that anyone on this planet – especially someone who’s connected to the club – would give their right arm for, to have this opportunity. I’m sure he’ll give it all he’s got.
“One thing we will do is he’ll take counsel. He’ll lean on people. I’m sure one of his first phone calls will be Sir Alex Ferguson – followed by myself hahaha. But he will ask those questions. He’s got humility.
“If I was a betting man, I’d say he’ll do a good enough job. I want him to make it difficult for the hierarchy to make a decision on the next manager – on the next coach. Because that’s obviously the question everyone’s asking.”
Amorim leaves United having achieved just 24 wins from 63 fixtures, representing the worst record of any boss since Sir Alex Ferguson departed the position.
The decision to cut ties with Amorim was taken by United’s hierarchy, including Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada. A United statement declared: “Ruben Amorim has departed his role as Head Coach of Manchester United. Ruben was appointed in November 2024 and led the team to a UEFA Europa League Final in Bilbao in May.
“With Manchester United sitting sixth in the Premier League, the club’s leadership has reluctantly made the decision that it is the right time to make a change. This will give the team the best opportunity of the highest possible Premier League finish.
“The club would like to thank Ruben for his contribution to the club and wishes him well for the future. Darren Fletcher will take charge of the team against Burnley on Wednesday.”