Darren Fletcher’s secret health battle forced tough call before Man Utd return

Darren Fletcher will take charge of Manchester United’s mid-week game against Burnley after manager Ruben Amorim was sacked just 14 months into the job

Darren Fletcher will be in the Manchester United dugout when they face Burnley after the sacking of head coach Ruben Amorim. The new interim manager returned to Old Trafford in 2020 as a coach, having battled illness throughout his illustrious career.

With Amorim shown the exit door after just 14 months in charge, the reins have been handed to former United star Fletcher in the interim. His side face Burnley on Wednesday evening.

It is expected that a caretaker manager will soon be appointed for the remainder of the current campaign. But this moment marks a significant turnaround for Fletcher, who suffered from chronic bowel disease during his career and retired in 2019, fearing a return to playing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fletcher first joined United’s youth setup as an 11-year-old, and despite almost signing for Newcastle at 15, he remained at Carrington. From there, he quickly made an impression on Sir Alex Ferguson’s first team.

He soon became renowned for his ability in big games, and at Old Trafford, he won five Premier League titles, a Champions League and an FA Cup, among other honours.

READ MORE: Man Utd stars stunned as Ruben Amorim and Lisandro Martinez ‘squared up’ in explosive rowREAD MORE: Man Utd transfer news: Kobbie Mainoo makes transfer decision as agent makes ‘certain’ claim

However, in 2011, he was diagnosed with chronic bowel disease, ulcerative colitis. He lost almost three stone in weight when he was taken seriously ill and later underwent surgery.

But Fletcher revealed that he had actually been suffering from the ailment since 2008, but chose not to disclose his illness. He said in 2014: “I stayed silent until about 2011 or 2012 because it’s not something you generally talk about, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.

“My close family and friends knew, but nobody else knew at the club. I found it difficult, making up stories for reasons why I wasn’t at training, why I was looking ill, why I was feeling ill and why I was rushing off to the bathroom.

“Basically lying to people’s faces. Once I started talking about it and making it public knowledge, it was such a relief; it was the best thing I did.”

After surgery in January 2013, he bounced back in miraculous fashion, returning to action in a 3-0 win against Aston Villa in December of that year. He was even named vice-captain under Louis van Gaal in 2014.

The former Scotland captain left United in 2015 for West Brom. He played there until 2017 when he joined Stoke City. Two years later, he began studying for his coaching qualifications after leaving Stoke.

When the pandemic arrived, Fletcher acknowledged that he probably wouldn’t play again because his condition would have left him at a higher risk from Covid, and his career on the pitch came to an end.

After this tough call, he returned to United to coach the under-16,s and the rest is history. He became the under-18s coach just last year and will now take charge of the senior side in the interim after Amorim’s dismissal.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£43

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.