Manchester United coach could be in hot water after tensions rise over officiating at Old Trafford

Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher could be in hot water with the FA after he berated match officials at half-time in the Old Trafford tunnel on Saturday.

Referee Samuel Barrott had ordered United defender Matthijs de Ligt to leave the pitch in first-half added time to receive treatment for a head wound that had resulted in blood pouring down his face.

The timing was awful as Brentford scored through Ethan Pinnock’s header while De Ligt was off the field receiving treatment, leading to outrage amongst United’s players and staff.

To make matters worse, it was right on the half-time whistle too.

United showed great character to come out and charge at Brentford in the second half. Two goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund helped turn the game on its head to secure three points fro Erik ten Hag’s side. It felt deserved after a strong second-half display.

Tensions high at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag and Ruud van Nistelrooy were both handed yellow cards for their actions following Barrott’s controversial decision.

It is understood that Fletcher continued his protests as the teams left the pitch at the break.

According to The Mirror, tunnel footage shows Fletcher arguing with fourth official Gavin Ward.

After being named amongst the substitutes to face Brentford, Fletcher’s son Jack was also in the matchday squad but did not make an appearance.

Fletcher must now wait to see if the incident is included in Barrott’s match report. If it is, he could be in hot water with the FA for letting his emotions get the better of him.

We’re all guilty of that when it comes to football.