Sir Alex Ferguson predicted that Darren Fletcher would become a manager years before the former Manchester United star retired from playing. And Fletcher, 41, has now been given the United job temporarily and will be on the touchline for Wednesday's clash with Burnley.
It follows the sacking of Ruben Amorim which was announced on Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the Red Devils drew 1-1 away to Leeds. Fletcher previously served as an assistant to ex-United boss Erik ten Hag before being appointed as head coach of the club's under-18s side in July.
But now the Scot will make the step up for at least one game, as the Old Trafford hierarchy deliberate over their next move. Ferguson, whether he's at Turf Moor or sat in his living room, will be watching proudly as Fletcher leads United for the first time.
In an interview with West Bromwich Albion's media team in 2017, Ferguson explained how he got Fletcher working closely with youth coach Warren Joyce amid fears that the former midfielder wouldn't ever be able to return to the pitch, having been diagnosed with chronic bowel disease in 2011.
"I'm starting to think maybe he’s not going to make it," Ferguson recalled. "I started preparing him along the lines that he could become a coach with us because that was, without question, my long-term view of it.
"They were losing 1-0 at Altrincham, so I went into the dressing room at half-time because I wasn't particularly pleased. Darren was doing the motivation, tactics, and Warren had given him that head to do that. It was fantastic.
"I'll always remember he says, 'If you're playing for Manchester United, there's an expectation, son, that you're not showing out there. If you can't do it in a reserve game you've absolutely no chance of playing for Alex Ferguson. I'll always remember him saying that. He didn't see me and I was standing at the door. I should have given him a rise."
When asked whether he thought that Fletcher would go on to become a coach after he retired, which ended up being in 2020 following a spell with Stoke City, Ferguson replied: "[It is an] absolute certainty.
"I think his long-term position will be as a coach. Maybe even management. He's got the presence, he's got the sacrifice. When you become a manager, Martin (interviewer), it's a sacrifice.
