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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Darren Fletcher 'forced into second Man Utd role' as club chief battles internal issues

Darren Fletcher is having to perform a two-pronged role at Manchester United as the club's technical director attempts to maintain harmony at the training ground.

Old Trafford has seen plenty of changes over the past 12 months - Ralf Rangnick is now the interim boss following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Cristiano Ronaldo has returned after 12 years away and, in the stands, Ed Woodward has now moved on.

It is at Carrington where issues seem to be a regularity however as players and coaches struggle to get on the same page.

Rangnick came in with a reputation for a pressing game but has been unable to implement it, which has been a source of frustration.

Meanwhile several leading players have had their own issues this term, be it with each other or the current man in the dugout.

Will Man Utd finish in the top four? Have your say in the comments!

Darren Fletcher has had to act as peacekeeper within the Man Utd ranks (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

As a result Fletcher has had to act as a mediator on the training pitch, reports the Sun. The 38-year-old retains plenty of respect on the red half of Manchester and has been a regular on the bench during games, despite his role as a technical director.

Ronaldo's absence in Sunday's derby defeat at the Etihad caused a stir.

The Portuguese star couldn't play due to an issue with his hip flexor and flew off to Portugal with Rangnick having to field questions about the issue.

Ronaldo and Harry Maguire have reportedly clashed with the centre-half, who is struggling for form, unwilling to give up the armband whilst he has been frustrated with certain responsibilities taken on by the 37-year-old.

Marcus Rashford is thought to be considering his own future as he struggles for form and minutes.

He was introduced as a sub during the Manchester derby but was largely ineffective as he cut a figure bereft of confidence.

Fletcher's input comes with Rangnick's blessing as the Red Devils attempt to get in to the top four.

Their latest defeat places even more importance on this weekend's game with Tottenham at Old Trafford.

Ralf Rangnick has struggled to get his ideas across (Manchester United via Getty Imag)

United are set for a rebuild in the summer with changes in the dugout and the playing group, but attracting the right individuals will prove more challenging if they cannot offer Champions League football.

The club already stand to lose Paul Pogba, who is out of contract in the summer, with talks of an extended deal shelved for some time.

Edinson Cavani is among a list of players who could also seek pastures new with the likes of Dean Henderson also eyeing the exit door.

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