The Red Devils were knocked out of the competition following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday (01.11.26), a result that leaves the club with only Premier League fixtures remaining this season after earlier exits from the Carabao Cup and Europe.
Speaking after the game, the interim manager, said: “It was mixed really. I thought we started okay, then the goal knocked the stuffing out of us and we didn’t really create a tempo.
“We didn’t play enough balls in behind and test them. I think our passing was quite slow. I challenged them at half-time because it was similar to the game midweek. You can move the ball with composure, but you need to move it with tempo, and that was difficult.”
Brighton took the lead through Brajan Gruda, 21, before former United striker Danny Welbeck, 35, doubled the advantage, compounding the sense of frustration inside Old Trafford.
The Red Devils did respond late on, pulling a goal back through striker Benjamin Šeško, 22, but were unable to force an equalizer.
Fletcher said: “I thought we created enough chances, but to go 2-0 down was disappointing. But the lads responded well and when we got back to 2-1, I thought, ‘Here we go.’ The crowd was up, the energy was up, but ultimately we couldn’t get over the line.
“But I think you can see that the players are fragile and they need to build themselves up. Because it’s up to them now, they’ve got to respond.”
The defeat came in Fletcher’s second match in temporary charge following the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, and he confirmed he has not discussed remaining in the role once a caretaker appointment is made.
He said: “This is what I’ve been asked to do. I’ve not had any discussion beyond that.
“Someone’s going to come in and lead them, and it’s over to the players to make sure they still have a lot to play for.”
Fletcher stressed that confidence must be rebuilt through hard work rather than style alone.
He said: “Confidence is one of the most powerful things in football. When you don’t have it, you’ve got to battle, grind, fight, work, win games — and then the confidence comes back.
“This team is still good enough to achieve success, but they’ve got to dig deep and find it within themselves.”
