Darren Fletcher turns down role in Michael Carrick’s backroom team – but is staying at Man United

Darren Fletcher will not be part of Michael Carrick’s Manchester United coaching staff, talkSPORT understands.

However, the former Red Devils midfielder will remain at the club in his previous role.

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Fletcher is set to revert back to managing United’s Under-18 side once Carrick is appointed as caretaker boss.

The decision comes after discussions on Monday, with Fletcher having been offered a role on the new backroom team.

It followed his two-match spell in temporary charge of the first-team following Ruben Amorim’s sacking earlier this month.

Fletcher oversaw last week’s draw at Burnley and the FA Cup exit at the hands of Brighton on Sunday.

The 41-year-old will now return to his job as Under-18s manager ahead of their FA Youth Cup tie against Derby County next week.

He has been in the role since July, having previously served as a first-team coach under both Amorim and Erik ten Hag.

United’s Under-18s currently sit second in the U18 Premier League’s north group, four points behind leaders Manchester City.

Their squad includes Wayne Rooney’s son Kai and Bendito Mantato, who made his Premier League debut in December.

Who is on Carrick’s coaching team?

Fletcher’s return to the youth set-up comes as Carrick closes in on becoming United’s new caretaker manager.

The five-time Premier League champion has reached an agreement to take the role until the end of the season.

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His first match in charge will be Saturday’s Manchester derby against City, live on talkSPORT.

Jonny Evans is set to remain with the first-team as one of Carrick’s assistants.

The former United defender had served under Fletcher during his two matches at the helm.

Under-21s boss Travis Binnion also stepped up to first-team assistant duties and will continue to do so under Carrick.

Meanwhile, his former Middlesbrough No. 2 Jonathan Woodgate is set to join the club.

Woodgate and Carrick worked together at the Riverside Stadium from October 2022 until their exit at the end of last season.

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The new-look backroom team will be completed by Steve Holland, who spent eight years as Gareth Southgate’s assistant with England.

Holland also previously worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte at Chelsea.

However, his last role as Yokohama F. Marinos manager lasted just four months before he departed the Japanese side in April 2025.