Fletcher kicked his first game in charge with a 2-2 draw at Burnley in midweek in a performance which wasn’t much of an improvement post Ruben Amorim.
The Red Devils have not suffered a third-round exit since the 2013-14 season, and Fletcher will hope to take the side to the next stage in what could his final game in charge before a caretaker is brought in.
Mainoo is in a good place
Fletcher first spoke on midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who famously did not get along with Amorim but is revealed to be in a good place after his departure.
"He seems in a good place. Kobbie doesn’t give you much, so never really know if he's in a good place or not. He’s like that, it’s just his natural way, but I know him well, I’ve seen him around the building and had conversations with him.
"He’s in a good place, I know Kobbie and I think he knows me. He’s comfortable with his environment. He's in a good place, he’s trained well."
Fletcher not focused on staying as manager
Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Michael Carrick have been linked to takeover the club until the end of the campaign as United seek to announce a caretaker manager in the next few weeks. Fletcher was asked if he had spoken to owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe when he took the role but revealed he is focused on the side rather than his future.
"I’ve not, no. I speak to Omar (Berrada) and Jason (Wilcox), that’s how the process works. For me, I've been focusing on the job in hand. There have been no thoughts from me on my future. I lead the team, guide the team, there’s been no conversations outside of those two people."
Man Utd is built around the academy
After confirming Noussair Mazraoui or Bryan Mbeumo will not feature this weekend after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Fletcher spoke openly about the club's commitment to youth development.
The Red Devils have an unbroken streak of having an academy graduate in every single first-team matchday squad since October 30, 1937, a run which exceeds 88 years and over 4,300 consecutive games. Fletcher has the perfect chance to hand chances to youth players against Brighton, players who will be delighted with such an opportunity.
"I think historically this club is built around the academy, we've got an amazing academy, our record speaks for itself.
"I can’t stand here and say anything other than that. We’ve got an amazing record which is hard to beat. We have some amazing players with some amazing talent, what I see is a lot of hard work, humble, young players who aren’t perfect because they’re young and learning.
"We ask too much of young people in society at times, and in general. We have to let them learn, educate them, help them, understand they will make mistakes.
"With good guidance, all of us play a part in developing them to be Manchester United players and people. My working with them as individuals and throughout the academy I deal with hard-working, honest and coachable, super-talented kids.
"We have a lot of talent in our academy and hopefully they can showcase themselves like Shea (Lacey) did."