Fletch is Utd peacemaker

Darren Fletcher is Manchester United’s behind-the-scenes peacemaker as they try to get their top-four bid back on track.

The title-winning former midfielder is now the technical director at Old Trafford.

But in recent weeks he has taken on a role as mediator amid growing tensions between interim manager Ralf Rangnick and the players at the club’s Carrington training HQ.

German Rangnick, 63, is frustrated that the team has been unable to adapt to his pressing game.

And the players have not been buying into his coaching methods and tactics, along with those of his assistant Chris Armas.

Ex-Scotland international Fletcher, 38, is a very popular and highly respected figure at Carrington among both the players and manager, which is why his input is now so important.

United dropped out of the top four on Sunday following their 4-1 derby humiliation at Manchester City and Arsenal’s win over Watford.

Their demolition at the Etihad reopened old wounds in United’s camp, with divisions particularly between some senior players and young members of the squad.

Furious United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, 37, flew off to Portugal without the manager’s knowledge after being axed from the starting line-up for the derby, later claiming he was suffering a recurrence of a hip injury.

Fellow frontman Marcus Rashford, 24, is also considering his future at the club having been named as a sub for the trip across Manchester, despite there being no other recognised striker available.