Manchester United Under-18 coach Darren Fletcher confronted an "abusive" autograph hunter outside Old Trafford after the club's 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah on Thursday night.
Footage shared on social media showed Fletcher walking over to a group of Manchester United supporters who had been waiting close to the team buses after the final whistle. Fletcher singled out one supporter, taking exception to their language.
Daily Mail Sport understands Fletcher had already signed autographs for several fans but had not gone all the way behind the bus, where some supporters were still waiting. After one of those fans became abusive, Fletcher went back and shouted at the supporter in response.
"Hey listen, it doesn't matter you can't speak like that," Fletcher said, prompting cheers from other Manchester United fans in attendance.
Fletcher's angry response
Fletcher then pointed at the fan and told them: "You are the reason people don't sign, you are the reason people don't sign." His intervention led to fans chanting "legend, legend" in support of the coach as he walked away.
Fletcher, 42, has been head coach of Manchester United's Under-18 side since July last year. He briefly stepped up for a two-game spell as interim manager last January after Ruben Amorim's sacking, before Michael Carrick took charge.
Fletcher's playing career at Old Trafford
During his playing career, Fletcher made 342 appearances and scored 24 goals for Manchester United. He won five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the FA Cup at Old Trafford.
Fletcher's former team-mate Patrice Evra has previously claimed that Sir Alex Ferguson once criticised his players for failing to sign autographs while on a pre-season tour. While players have faced criticism in recent years for refusing to stop for autographs, Daily Mail Sport has previously reported that Manchester United have grown increasingly frustrated with professional autograph hunters. Concerns have been raised that players are harangued as part of what has been described as "industrial-scale autograph harvesting" at Old Trafford, with signed memorabilia later sold on.
Manchester United's win over Sabah
Manchester United recorded a comfortable 4-0 win on Thursday night on their return to the Champions League. First-half goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko put the Red Devils 3-0 up against tournament newcomers Sabah, from Azerbaijan. Lisandro Martinez added a fourth in the second half.
The Red Devils will now turn their attention to Sunday's Manchester derby.
