NEW Manchester United gaffer Ruben Amorim will be without assistant Darren Fletcher for his first two Premier League games.
Fletcher has been handed an extended three-match ban and a hefty fine by the FA for kicking off with officials during Man Utd’s 2-1 win over Brentford last month.
Darren Fletcher has been fined and banned for three Prem games by the FA
Man Utd furiously protested Brentford’s goal
The incident occurred after Ethan Pinnock netted a controversial opener on the brink of half-time at Old Trafford on October 19.
United staff complained as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott after blood was leaking from a gash in his head.
It meant the Red Devils were down a man when Pinnock freely headed in from a corner in the final minute of first half stoppage time.
Fletcher has been charged with allegedly acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.
The 40-year-old United legend’s ban starts on Sunday when Leicester visit for the second time in two weeks after United’s 5-2 Carabao Cup win.
This means he will miss Amorim’s first two Premier League games, against Ipswich Town on November 24 and Everton on December 1.
An FA statement read: “An Independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher.
“The FA alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time.
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“Fletcher admitted to this misconduct but denied that he was abusive.
“However, the Regulatory Commission found this to be proven and imposed his sanctions. The Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course.”
United face FK Bodo/Glimt in-between Fletcher’s Prem bans, so he won’t be limited to seat in the stands during in the Europa League.
Both former boss Erik ten Hag and his then assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were booked for their reactions on the touchline.
But emotions also got the better of Fletcher, who is said to have exploded at the officials inside the Old Trafford tunnel, which was included in Barrott’s referee report.
Despite falling behind just before the break, United responded with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund sealing just the club’s third Prem win of the season.
United are appealing the severity of Fletcher’s sanction.
Man Utd ratings vs PAOK
SUNSPORT’S Phil Thomas reveals which Man Utd players would have impressed incoming boss Ruben Amorim against PAOK.
ANDRE ONANA – 6
One great tipover to keep out a Camara half-volley.
But any other stops were pretty routine.
NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6
Another solid, if unspectacular, display.
An increasingly dependable presence by the week.
VICTOR LINDELOF – 6
Flat-footed once in the first half, but rarely flustered thereafter.
Started a few attacks as well.
JONNY EVANS – 6
Wise old head at the back.
But lucky to get away with going AWOL for one second half chance.
DIOGO DALOT – 4
Usually reliable, but shoddy with so much of what he did, and his delivery wasn’t great either.
Surprising he wasn’t hooked earlier.
CASEMIRO – 6
Starting point for most of what United did going forward.
Although that wasn’t a great deal to be honest.
MANUEL UGARTE – 5
Still far from the midfield general United hoped.
Distribution disappointing too. No shock when subbed off.
AMAD – 8 (STAR MAN)
Livewire runs, impressive closing down, the crucial opening goal…and a stunning second.
United’s best player by some distance.
BRUNO FERNANDES – 7
Knocked some marvellous passes, always looking to create.
At least someone was!
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO – 6
Close with one header and a couple of decent runs, but all in all a quiet night.
Hooked.
RASMUS HOJLUND – 5
One early header aside, little to work with apart from chasing hopeful balls.
No clear sights of goal, either.
SUBS
Rashford (for Garnacho 64) 6
Eriksen (for Ugarte 64) 6
Martinez (for Dalot 64) 6
Mount (for Amad 81) 6
Zirkzee (for Hojlund 90) N/A
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