Manchester United will be led by Darren Fletcher for their FA Cup third-round tie against Brighton on Sunday at Old Trafford, but the club’s latest Premier League setback has once again highlighted that their struggles extend far beyond who occupies the technical area.

Following a frustrating 2-2 draw against Burnley, Fletcher confirmed he will continue as interim boss for the cup fixture. The decision was made by chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, who remain deeply involved in assessing United’s direction after a turbulent period.

“They have informed me they would like me to take the team on Sunday,” Fletcher said.
“There was a feeling that might be the case earlier in the week, but our focus was Burnley. Now all my attention is on Brighton.”

Familiar Issues Resurface at Turf Moor

Despite the change in the dugout after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, Manchester United’s long-standing issues were once again laid bare.

Since the start of November, United have played 10 matches against teams currently in the bottom eight of the Premier League table and have managed just two wins. Their most recent run—draws against Wolves, Leeds and Burnley—has further dented confidence and momentum.

The draw at Turf Moor followed a familiar pattern. United conceded first, fought back impressively, took the lead through a Benjamin Sesko brace, and then surrendered control to allow Burnley back into the game. Defensive fragility continues to haunt the team, regardless of tactical tweaks.

Defensive Fragility and Missed Chances

Fletcher immediately abandoned Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 system, reverting to a back four. However, the change did not bring the defensive solidity United desperately need.

The club has managed just two clean sheets all season, a statistic that underlines their vulnerability.

“We give up goals too easily,” Fletcher admitted.
“We defend as a team, and as a team we need to improve. It’s not good enough.”

At the other end of the pitch, inefficiency remains a serious concern. United registered 30 shots, with 10 on target, but scored only twice. Burnley cleared two efforts off the line, while Sesko missed chances to complete a hat-trick. Lisandro Martinez also saw a goal disallowed for a push in the build-up.

“I’m not sure why,” Fletcher said bluntly. “We should win the match.”

FA Cup Offers Final Route to Silverware

The FA Cup now represents Manchester United’s last realistic chance of silverware this season. Brighton, however, will pose a significant challenge, especially given United’s fragile form.

Behind the scenes, Berrada and Wilcox are expected to hold talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick regarding a potential caretaker appointment. Whoever steps in will face an immediate baptism of fire, with upcoming Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Positives: Sesko and Lacey Shine

Amid the frustration, there were signs of promise.

Sesko’s double was his first since October and took his tally to four goals for the season after a slow start following his £73.7m move from RB Leipzig.

“I showed him videos of his movement,” Fletcher explained.
“It’s about belief and timing. Hopefully this is the start of something for him.”

Another bright spark was Shea Lacey, whose brief but electric cameo reignited excitement among United supporters. The young winger struck the crossbar with a curling effort and went close again late on, showcasing pace, creativity and confidence.

“He’s fearless, exciting and direct,” Fletcher said.
“He’ll be a big part of Manchester United’s future. I have no doubts about that.”

Bigger Questions Remain

While Fletcher prepares for Sunday’s FA Cup test, the broader questions around Manchester United’s structure, recruitment, culture and consistency remain unresolved. Changing the manager may offer a short-term reset, but performances like the one at Burnley suggest deeper reform is required if United are to return to the elite level they expect.