With no European football to play this season, Manchester United have shifted their full focus to the FA Cup, which interim manager Darren Fletcher has identified as the club’s main objective for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s Premier League clash against Brighton, Fletcher made it clear that winning silverware at Wembley is now the club’s primary ambition.
“We are not in European competitions, we are out of the League Cup. The FA Cup is a title we must try to win, giving ourselves every opportunity to win,” Fletcher stated.
FA Cup Becomes United’s Main Route to Silverware
Manchester United were eliminated early from domestic and continental competitions, leaving the FA Cup as the only realistic chance to lift a trophy by May. The club will enter the competition this weekend as the third round gets underway, marking the first appearance of Premier League teams.
The Red Devils remain one of the most successful sides in FA Cup history, having lifted the trophy 13 times, just one fewer than record holders Arsenal.
Manchester United Face Brighton in FA Cup Opener
United’s FA Cup debut will come against Brighton, in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the round. Other notable all-Premier League matchups include Everton vs Sunderland, Newcastle vs Bournemouth, and Tottenham vs Aston Villa.
The clash against Brighton will be Fletcher’s second match in charge since taking over following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim.
Interim Role Set Until End of the Season
Manchester United’s board has decided to keep Darren Fletcher as interim manager until the end of the season, allowing the club time to carefully plan its next permanent appointment and approach the transfer market without pressure.
