Man Utd prepare for fight against FA as Red Devils hit with fine and three-match ban

Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher has been hit with a three-match extended touchline ban and a £7,500 fine for misconduct during October's Premier League win against Brentford. The Red Devils are reportedly set to appeal the sanctions an independent Regulatory Commission imposed on Friday.

Fletcher was among the members of United staff left incensed when Brentford took the lead on the brink of half-time at Old Trafford in the October 19 clash.

Ethan Pinnock headed the Bees in front from a corner directly after referee Samuel Barrott ordered Matthijs de Ligt to leave the pitch for a third time to receive further treatment for a head injury.

De Ligt had been cut open earlier in the first half, but United's medical staff couldn't stop the bleeding during their initial treatment.

After receiving medical attention for a second time, the Dutch defender's head was still bloodied, which Barrott took issue with as Brentford won a late corner.

Pinnock then cruised into space unmarked and directed his header past Andre Onana, sending the hosts into the dressing room trailing.

Barrott booked then-United manager Erik ten Hag and assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy on the touchline for their furious reactions to the goal.

But emotions also got the better of Fletcher, who is said to have exploded at the officials inside the Old Trafford tunnel, which was included in Barrott's referee report.

Fletcher, a former United player now part of the coaching staff, has since been slapped with a £7,500 fine and a three-match ban from the dugout.

An FA statement on Friday read: "The FA alleged that the coach acted in an improper and/or confrontational manner and/or that he used abusive and/or insulting words towards the fourth official and the referee and/or assistant referees around the tunnel area at half time.

"Darren Fletcher admitted to this misconduct but denied that he was abusive. However, the Regulatory Commission found this to be proven and imposed his sanctions.

"The Regulatory Commission's written reasons for its decisions will be published in due course."

According to the PA, United are appealing the severity of the punishment, considering Fletcher pled guilty but denied abusive behaviour.

But the Scotsman is expected to remain with the club's analysts in the stands on Sunday when Leicester City visit Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Fletcher's ban currently extends to the November 24 trip to Ipswich and the December 1 home clash with Everton if he is part of Ruben Amorim's backroom staff.