Fletcher defends United academy after Amorim criticism

Manchester United interim boss Darren Fletcher said on Friday that the club's academy is one of the best in the world after recent critical comments from sacked manager Ruben Amorim.

Fletcher was put in temporary charge of the club following the dismissal of Amorim on Monday, leading them to a 2-2 draw at Burnley two days later.

The Portuguese was criticised for not giving enough opportunities to the club's academy graduates, most notably Kobbie Mainoo.

And last month he questioned the performances of Harry Amass and Chido Obi, describing a "feeling of entitlement" at United.

But Fletcher, appointed under-18s head coach in July and himself a product of the club's academy, robustly defended the youth set-up ahead of United's FA Cup third-round clash against Brighton on Sunday.

United have named a homegrown player in every matchday squad since 1937.

"Historically, this club's built around the academy, we've got an amazing academy," he told reporters. "Our record speaks for itself.

"I'm not going to stand here and say anything other than that. We've got an amazing record. I think it's hard to beat in terms of the history of clubs around the world.

"I think we've got some amazing players, some amazing talents. I think what I see is a lot of hard-working, humble young players who aren't perfect because they're young and they're learning and they've got a lot to do."

Mainoo played for England in the 2024 European Championship final, but is yet to start a Premier League game this season.

Fletcher said the 20-year-old's mood was difficult to judge because he "doesn't give you much".

"He's in a good place, he's trained well and as I said, he's hard to read Kobe, so that remains to be seen," said the interim boss.

United, seventh in the Premier League, are searching for a caretaker manager until the end of the season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick both linked with the role.

Fletcher brushed aside questions over his own future.

"(Director of football) Jason (Wilcox) and (chief executive) Omar (Berrada) have given me full responsibility to take control of these two games, make my own decisions, lead the team, guide the team, prepare the team, and that's what I've been doing," he said.