Nov 09,2024
Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher has been hit by the Football Association with a three-match touchline ban that the club are hoping to reduce on appeal.
The 40-year-old confronted officials at half-time of the Red Devils' 2-1 comeback win against Brentford on 19 October, before returning to his seat in the stands for the remainder of the game.
The governing body said in a statement: "An independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher for misconduct at Manchester United’s Premier League match against Brentford on Saturday 19 October.
"The FA alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time.
"Darren Fletcher admitted to this misconduct but denied that he was abusive. However, the Regulatory Commission found this to be proven and imposed his sanctions. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."
Fletcher’s ban is from the touchline rather than the stadium, meaning he will be able to join United’s analysts in the Bobby Charlton Stand.
The FA sanction starts against Leicester on Sunday and means he will be unable to be in the dugout, where he was with interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy in Thursday’s 2-0 Europa League win against PAOK.
Fletcher’s touchline ban covers Sunday’s match against the Foxes, as well as Ruben Amorim’s first match in charge at Ipswich and the home game against Everton.
Van Nistelrooy says he is keen to become Manchester United manager one day but says he wants to return to his role as assistant coach after handing the reins to Amorim.
Having returned to Old Trafford as one of Erik ten Hag's assistants in the summer, the former striker has stepped up as caretaker manager since his compatriot was sacked at the start of last week.
Van Nistelrooy takes charge for the fourth and final time when Leicester – the side beaten 5-2 in the Carabao Cup in his first match in charge – arrive in the Premier League.
Amorim begins as head coach the following day and will be bringing in his own staff, raising questions over fan favourite Van Nistelrooy’s future despite having a deal until 2026.
This weekend could end up being his second Old Trafford farewell, but the Dutchman hopes to stay on with a club would like manage on a full-time basis one day.
"First of all, it was a special period – it is still, of course," Van Nistelrooy said.
"I called it an important period because I think it was important to get through the four games as good as we could.
"I think we’ve done very well so far. The players have reacted very well in the games.
"Obviously, the focus now is to build on that and show that on Sunday with a big game ahead and a massive three points that are there to win.
"I don’t know if it will be very emotional. I take it very pragmatic as well, although I am proud to be able to fulfil this.
"We’ll see how I feel on Sunday and other than that, there’s not much more news than yesterday evening.
"I think Ruben and I are in that sense focusing on our teams and our games.
"He’s focusing on Braga and his team (Sporting Lisbon), I’m focusing on Leicester with my team and see if things can come together in the near future."
Asked if he would like to manage United one day, the former PSV boss said: "Yeah, of course. I thought this through well when I made the decision to come to United as an assistant manager or assistant coach.
"I thought that through and I knew that coming to Manchester United was for me a special occasion, where I felt I wanted to be part of this journey with the club in also an assistant role.
"I had clear ambitions to manage, I made the decision to sign a two-year deal as an assistant and I’m still in that frame of mind to stay in that capacity."
Van Nistelrooy is hoping to hand over to Amorim on the back of a third win in four matches, building on last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea andthe 2-0 victory against PAOK on Thursday.
Amad Diallo’s delightful double secured that Europa League win, but the lively winger is a doubt for Sunday after being forced off with a knock.
"Amad was assessed," the interim United boss said. "Still working on him to get him ready for Sunday. Hopefully it will work."
Kobbie Mainoo and Harry Maguire continue to do rehabilitation, but Luke Shaw became the latest absentee to rejoin training on Friday.
The left-back has not played for United since February and followed Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Leny Yoro in returning to the group.
"In the little bit longer future, (it is) good that Luke and Leny are on the pitch," Van Nistelrooy added.
"Kobbie is also progressing in his injury, he’s making the right steps. Not yet with the team, though, that needs a bit more time."
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been charged with misconduct by the Football Association in relation to homophobic chants by their supporters during a match against Manchester United earlier this season.
Spurs issued a statement condemning the chants at the match at Old Trafford on 29 September, which it is understood were aimed at Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta and United's former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount.
The club now face sanction from the national governing body over the matter.
The FA alleges the club failed to ensure their supporters did not use words which were in an "improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation" in the 49th and 79th minutes of the match, which Tottenham won 3-0.
Spurs have been given until 13 November to respond to the charge.
