According to a new claim, no one knows what Darren Fletcher’s position at Manchester United is.
Outgoing executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward named the former player ‘technical director’ last year, around the same time that John Murtough was named director of football.
However, according to Laurie Whitwell of The Athletic, the nature of the 37-year-employment old’s is still unknown, and the players are unsure if he is a coach or a director.
Whitwell wrote:
“Fletcher’s vocal presence on the touchline recently given his status as an executive has generated intrigue from some close to United. The 37-year-old has developed a good relationship with the players, offering tactical advice to Paul Pogba last season, and understands the high demands at United. But there has been confusion from some in the squad over his exact role.”
“Fletcher is providing coaching support to Rangnick’s assistant Chris Armas, whose career has been spent in America and that background is yet to convince the players of his pedigree.”
Even Fletcher, according to the reporter, is not certain about what his position is supposed to be. His role as technical director is not as well defined as one might think, and he is claimed to believe that given the circumstances, helping with instructions provides the highest value.
According to the reporter, new CEO Richard Arnold will not be as active in football affairs as Woodward, and Fletcher will act as Murtough’s deputy in this regard.
Arnold intends to give the sporting side stability allowing for more control over finances and decisions. Football director John Murtough will be in charge, with technical director Darren Fletcher assisting him.
Fletcher’s work is obviously unusual, supporting the football director and assisting the first team coaches while also having a vocal role on the touchline. It’s likely a matter of taste as to whether this reflects valuable diversity or is distractingly confusing.
