The 41-year-old former midfielder has stepped up from The Red Devils’ Under-18s set-up to lead the first team against Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday (07.01.26), after Amorim, 40, was dismissed following Sunday’s (04.01.26) 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road.
Speaking at a press conference, Fletcher said of his new job: “Surreal. As you say, it’s an amazing honour to be able to lead a Manchester United team.
“I don’t even think it was in my wildest dreams that it could potentially happen, even thinking about playing for the club and stuff like that.”
Fletcher was appointed on an interim basis as United move quickly to stabilise the season, with the club sixth in the Premier League and level on points with Chelsea in fifth as they push for Champions League qualification.
He continued: “To lead out the team is an amazing honour and something I am really proud to do. It’s not in the circumstances that I expected it to happen.
“It is something that doesn’t sit quite easy with me, but I just have to think of having a job to do, and I've got to lead the team tomorrow and think of the great honour and pride in doing that.”
Fletcher - who won five Premier League titles under Sir Alex Ferguson - said his focus remains firmly on short-term results rather than the wider managerial picture.
He said: “My focus and energy at any time that I have been at the club is to always do the best for Manchester United, try to help the club, help the people I am working with, the players and staff, and try to help Manchester United be successful.
“Everyone expects Manchester United to be on top, to be winning; that is the standard. I just do my best in whatever role I’m in to help make that happen.”
The Red Devils are not expected to make a permanent appointment until the summer, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and former Brighton and Marseille head coach Roberto De Zerbi reportedly emerging as leading candidates.
Meanwhile, Ole Gunnar Solsejær - who previously managed The Red Devils from 2018 to 2021 - has reportedly held talks with the club to return on a temporary basis.
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick is also said to be under consideration for a temporary role, while Fletcher insisted he is not thinking beyond the immediate task.
He said: “Honestly, it’s not something I’ve thought about. All my concentration, efforts and thoughts have gone into Burnley.”
