Game-changer: Fletcher celebrates as United colossus returns from injury to face Burnley – Fabrizio Romano

Darren Fletcher has received a major boost as the 41-year-old Scot prepares Manchester United to face Burnley in a crucial Premier League clash tonight. Interim for Amorim Old Trafford has been in a state of flux this week after INEOS reached the bombshell decision to sack Ruben Amorim with immediate effect. The Portuguese coach, along with his staff, were given their marching orders on Monday morning after an explosive meeting with Jason Wilcox last Friday put his demise in motion. Amorim reacted furiously to the sporting director’s attempts to influence his 3-4-2-1 system, as directed by co-owner and INEOS chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe. He told Wilcox the squad needed changing, rather than his system, and threatened to ring his agent to facilitate an exit. Three days later, the 40-year-old got his wish. In his place, Fletcher – currently the U-18’s coach – will lead the senior side on a temporary basis, supported by Travis Binnion and Jonny Evans, while a permanent caretaker is sourced to take the reigns until the end of the season. Ole Gunnar Solsjkaer is the leading candidate for this role – with the Norwegian understood to be desperate for a return to the Theatre of Dreams. However, reports suggest there remains a faint prospect Fletcher could stay on in the position permanently should his trial run prove successful, starting tonight against Burnley. In his pre-match press conference yesterday, Fletcher confirmed Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount were set to return from their recent absence through injury, although the pair’s minutes would have to be managed. He further revealed Kobbie Mainoo would be assessed ahead of the match after his own spell on the side lines. But, in a surprise twist, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the interim coach will also be able to call upon another one of his most experienced stars in the dressing room, Harry Maguire, who has not played for United since November due to a thigh injury. Major Boost The Italian football expert reveals “good news” for the Red Devils as the 32-year-old defender was “spotted at [the] team’s hotel today” and is set to be available to face Burnley. 🚨 Good news for Manchester United as understand Harry Maguire returns with the squad for Burnley game. Maguire has been spotted at team’s hotel today and he’s set to be available after long injury. Bruno Fernandes, also back. 🔙 pic.twitter.com/aRPyMOFddF — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2026 Tweet: “Good news for Manchester United as understand Harry Maguire returns with the squad for Burnley game. Maguire has been spotted at team’s hotel today and he’s set to be available after long injury. Bruno Fernandes, also back.“ The formation Fletcher opts for tonight will almost certainly involve a back four, meaning Maguire may slot in alongside Lisandro Martinez at right centre-back if he is deemed fit enough to start. But even just having the Englishman available in the dressing room at a hostile away ground will be a boost for the young coach, as he looks to draw upon every ounce of experience he can find at Turf Moor tonight. United are currently sixth in the table, but a win would lift them up to fourth, depending on results elsewhere. The match kicks off at 8:15pm tonight. Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.