New Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim set to be without key coach for first 2 GAMES as Darren Fletcher slapped with massive ban

NEW Manchester United gaffer Ruben Amorim will be without assistant Darren Fletcher for his first two Premier League games.

Fletcher has been handed an extended three-match ban and a hefty £7,500 fine by the FA for kicking off at officials during Man Utd's 2-1 win over Brentford last month.

The incident occurred after Ethan Pinnock netted a controversial opener on the brink of half-time at Old Trafford on October 19.

United staff complained as Matthijs de Ligt was forced off the pitch by referee Samuel Barrott after blood was leaking from a gash in his head.

It meant the Red Devils were down a man when Pinnock freely headed in from a corner in the final minute of first half stoppage time.

Fletcher has been charged with allegedly acting in an improper or confrontational manner as he criticised the officials.

The 40-year-old United legend's ban starts on Sunday when Leicester visit for the second time in two weeks after the home side's 5-2 Carabao Cup win.

This means Fletcher will miss Amorim's first two Prem games, against Ipswich Town on November 24 and Everton on December 1.

The Portuguese manager, who just beat Man City 4-1 in the Champions League, will arrive during the international break on November 11.

An FA statement read: "An Independent Regulatory Commission has imposed a three-match extended touchline ban and £7,500 fine on Darren Fletcher. 

FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS

"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.

"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."

United face FK Bodo/Glimt in between Fletcher's Prem bans, so he won't be limited to a seat in the stands during in the Europa League.

Both former boss Erik ten Hag and his then assistant Ruud van Nistelrooy were booked for their reactions on the touchline.

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.

Despite falling behind just before the break, United responded with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund sealing just the club's third Prem win of the season.

The club are appealing the severity of Fletcher’s sanction, according to PA.