MANCHESTER UNITED’S backroom shake-up has seen Darren Fletcher take up a new role.
Sir Dave Brailsford has been entrusted to carry out Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans alongside INEOS Sport’s chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc.
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The ruthless process has seen 250 staff made redundant as the new regime try to cut costs.
And club icon Fletcher, 40, has been reassigned from his position as a technical director to a first-team coach role.
The move appears to be a demotion for the Scot, who took up his post in 2021.
Jason Wilcox took over as technical director in April.
The Athletic report that Fletcher will be responsible for helping academy players transition into the first team.
Rene Hake and Ruud van Nistelrooy have also been brought in as assistant managers, with Andreas Georgson named a first-team coach.
Boss Erik ten Hag has spoken highly of United academy graduate Fletcher’s work with younger players in the past.
Asked about Amad Diallo’s move to Sunderland, he told the Mirror: “We loan such players to let them develop and make progress.
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“To bring them back… that is the aim of a loan.
“We are really strong on them on the matter of the way we mentor them.
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“So we follow them and we have communication through all the season, especially Darren Fletcher.
“He invests a lot in such processes and the aim is to bring them back as a better player and with better experience.”
Sporting director Dan Ashworth – poached from Newcastle earlier this year – says the moves have put Ten hag in a better position to succeed.
He explained: “Together with Erik, we are working to strengthen all areas of our men’s first-team operations, and refreshing the coaching staff is an important part of that.
“It’s a particular pleasure to welcome Ruud back to the club where he enjoyed so much success as a player, and I know that he [Van Nistelrooy] and Rene will help reinforce the winning mentality and high standards we are aiming for.”
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
