Manchester United coach charged with misconduct by the FA after rant at officials during United’s win over Brentford last weekend

Darren Fletcher has been charge with misconduct by the Football Association after his rant at officials during Manchester United’s win over Brentford last weekend.

The Red Devils coach ha been accused of behaving in an ‘improper and/or confrontational manner’ and aiming ‘abusive and/or insulting words’ at match officials.

The incident occurred during the match at Old Trafford on 19 October when Ethan Pinnock scored the opening goal of the game for Brentford.

Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt had been forced to leave the field to deal with a head injury when the goal went in and the Red Devils staff were fuming as it was the third time the Dutchman had been made to leave the field to sort out the cut.

Both manager Erik ten Hag and his assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were shown yellow cards for their reactions on the touchline.

Fletcher confronted officials as they went to head down the tunnel at half-time and has since been charged by the FA for his actions.

The Scottish coach has until 29 October to respond to the charge.

Manchester United FC v Brentford FC – Premier League

Erik ten Hag was furious after Ethan Pinnock scored with Matthijs de Ligt off the pitch (Picture: Getty Images)

An FA statement read: ‘Darren Fletcher has been charged with misconduct following Manchester United’s fixture against Brentford on Saturday, 20 October, in the Premier League.

‘It is alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees. Darren Fletcher has until Tuesday, 29 October, to respond.’

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Rasmus Hojlund scored in Manchester United’s win over the Bees (Picture: Getty Images)

Ten Hag was still fuming with the officials making De Ligt leave the pitch after his side came back to win 2-1, although he said the decision fuelled the recovery.

‘It was dry blood so he was already treated for the injury,’ Ten Hag said. ‘I didn’t understand why he was sent off. I went over to Matthijs and he said “it is dry blood and I have to come off, I don’t know why.” It was a huge moment because Brentford are very good at corners and you miss one of your best headers.

‘Definitely, we were angry at half time. You see the togetherness, the fighting spirit and we add some determination to score goals. The stats show we play good football [this season] and don’t score enough but today we scored two brilliant goals.’

Manchester United will have captain Bruno Fernandes back in action for their upcoming Premier League clash with West Ham on Sunday.

The midfielder, who was absent from the recent 1-1 draw against Fenerbahce due to suspension, is now cleared to return, offering a vital boost to United’s lineup as they navigate through a series of injuries.

Manager Erik ten Hag faces a challenging situation with several key players sidelined.

Adding to the team’s woes, winger Antony was stretchered off the pitch during the match in Istanbul, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday’s game.

Additionally, defenders Jonny Evans and midfielder Mason Mount, both of whom missed the trip to Turkey, remain questionable for the match against West Ham.

The injury list doesn’t stop there. Players like Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo are not expected to be match-fit in time, leaving gaps across the defense.

This string of injuries has forced tactical adjustments, with Noussair Mazraoui stepping into an unusual No.10 role during the Fenerbahce game to compensate for absences in midfield.

However, he is likely to return to his familiar full-back role on Sunday.

Manchester United will aim for a consecutive Premier League victory, hoping Fernandes’ return provides the spark they need amid an ongoing battle with injuries.