Fernandes Reflects on Departure as Manchester United Seeks New Management

Fernandes, the assistant manager who accompanied Amorim from Lisbon to Manchester in November 2024, has publicly addressed the recent changes within the coaching staff. While the former manager has remained discreet following his dismissal on Monday, Fernandes took to social media on Wednesday morning to express his gratitude to the club.

In his Instagram statement, Fernandes emphasized the relationships forged during their tenure, steering clear of the contentious circumstances of their departure. He conveyed his pride in his role and thanked various departments within the Carrington setup that facilitated their transition to English football.

“Thank you, Manchester United,” the post stated. “Thank you to the world-class players I had the privilege to coach and learn from. Thank you to the staff members who showed true support. Thank you to the fans who stood by us.”

The coach also included a poignant remark about the pressures of working at such a prominent institution. “In the end, working at a football club of this dimension doesn’t just test your knowledge – it reveals character,” he wrote. “A special chapter in my life. Proud to have served as Assistant Manager of Manchester United.”

The dignified tone of Fernandes’ farewell appears to echo the sentiment of the manager himself upon his exit. Despite the circumstances of the sacking, which occurred less than 24 hours after a tense post-match interview at Elland Road, Amorim reportedly left the club in good spirits.

Witnesses at the training complex noted that the 40-year-old surprised staff by leaving for the last time while laughing and joking with his coaching team. The atmosphere was described as one where the “weight of the world” seemed to be lifted from their shoulders, a stark contrast to the high-tension environment that had characterized the final weeks of his tenure.

Later that day, the dismissed manager was seen walking through his Cheshire neighborhood, appearing far from despondent. He greeted waiting photographers with smiles and waves, suggesting a manager who had possibly accepted his fate long before the official announcement from the club.

With the Portuguese coaching contingent now departed, the focus at Old Trafford has swiftly turned to finding a successor for the remainder of the season. The club hierarchy, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, has reportedly narrowed the search down to two former players: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick.

Initial discussions have taken place with both candidates, and reports from Norway indicate that Solskjaer could sign a contract as early as this Friday, marking an emotional return more than four years after his own dismissal. Currently, he is available after parting ways with Turkish side Besiktas earlier this season.

Carrick, who briefly served as caretaker following Solskjaer’s exit in November 2021, is also under serious consideration. The 44-year-old is a free agent after leaving Middlesbrough in June and is well-regarded by the INEOS regime for his coaching abilities. The decision now hinges on which profile Wilcox believes is better suited to stabilize the team.

As the board deliberates the appointments of Solskjaer or Carrick, Darren Fletcher has been tasked with managing immediate fixtures. The technical director-turned-coach will lead the team at Turf Moor for the Premier League match against Burnley.

Fletcher described the opportunity to manage the club as “beyond his wildest dreams” but emphasized that his focus remains on the upcoming match. He will be supported by Under-21 coaches Travis Binnion and Alan Wright, with Jonny Evans returning to assist following his departure as loan manager in December.

Fletcher was keen to deflect inquiries regarding his long-term ambitions or the ongoing managerial search during his pre-match duties. “I’ve had a conversation, and the focus was on this game,” he stated. “I’ve got a game to prepare for, a training session to organize, and I’ve been speaking to the players. The focus has been on the Burnley match, and we’ll discuss further after the game.”

Fletcher is expected to remain in charge for the weekend’s FA Cup fixture against Brighton, giving Wilcox time to finalize the incoming interim manager’s contract.