Mainoo set to flourish as Fletcher takes temporary helm at Old Trafford

Kobbie Mainoo stands to emerge as the prime beneficiary of Darren Fletcher's arrival in the hot seat, following Ruben Amorim's removal from the Manchester United job on Monday morning.

The club has handed Fletcher the reins for at least the forthcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley, with the possibility of extending his remit to include the FA Cup tie at Brighton five days hence. United's hierarchy intends to recruit an interim boss to shepherd the side through until the summer, when a permanent managerial appointment will be finalised.

According to reporting by The Times' Paul Hirst, Fletcher's initial assignment covers the Burnley clash, with the Brighton cup match potentially following. The club will then seek a temporary figurehead for the remainder of the campaign before making their long-term choice.

Sources within the Carrington training ground have painted a compelling picture of Fletcher's likely impact. One voice close to the Under-18s setup told the Daily Mail that the United legend will restore the attacking freedom that has been conspicuously absent. "Manchester United don't need a coach right now, they need a good person," the source explained. "Players need to be able to play with attacking freedom again, play in the Man United way, and Darren will allow them to do that."

Staff at the training ground have praised his even-handed approach. "He treats everyone equally, that's one of his greatest assets," another insider revealed. "He is a huge believer in working hard – no doubt he'll be expecting even more from his sons now – and he's just incredibly popular with staff."

Mainoo's prospects appear particularly bright given Fletcher's tactical preferences. The former midfielder favours a 4-3-3 formation with two number eights, a setup markedly different from Amorim's system. Fletcher has also demonstrated willingness to deploy a number 10, a false nine, or fluid attacking trios featuring inverted wingers – all potential avenues that could see Mainoo flourish after spending considerable stretches watching from the bench this season.

Rio Ferdinand has expressed genuine enthusiasm about Fletcher's opportunity. Speaking with characteristic warmth, he revealed that the Manchester United legends' WhatsApp group had been "popping off" with messages of support and encouragement for his former teammate.

"I'm really excited to see him," Ferdinand said. "The Manchester United WhatsApp group is popping off as you can imagine with congratulations and good luck messages to Fletch. I wish him well."

Ferdinand acknowledged Fletcher's impressive journey, noting the adversity he has overcome. "Darren Fletcher, he's had some big, big moments in his career and he's also had some turmoil in his life with his health. He's got a wonderful family, he's the right kind of person that you'd want to get a chance and I just hope he goes in there and does himself justice because this is a wonderful opportunity that anyone on this planet – especially someone who's connected to the club – would give their right arm for."

The former defender is confident Fletcher will seek counsel from the club's senior figures. "One thing we will do is he'll take counsel. He'll lean on people. I'm sure one of his first phone calls will be Sir Alex Ferguson – followed by myself," Ferdinand explained. "But he will ask those questions. He's got humility."

Looking ahead to Fletcher's performance, Ferdinand struck an optimistic note. "If I was a betting man, I'd say he'll do a good enough job. I want him to make it difficult for the hierarchy to make a decision on the next manager, on the next coach. Because that's obviously the question everyone's asking."