Manchester United are poised to make a major shake-up at the academy level ahead of the 2025–26 season.
United Under-18s lead coach Adam Lawrence has stepped down to pursue new opportunities, leaving behind a crucial vacancy at the heart of United’s youth development.
According to The Athletic, Darren Fletcher is in talks to change roles at United by becoming the lead coach of the club’s under-18s side.
Director of football Jason Wilcox and director of academy Nick Cox have offered the new responsibility to Fletcher as they see him as a ‘perfect fit’.
Fletcher is currently part of Ruben Amorim’s first-team coaching staff but could soon switch focus to nurturing emerging talent at Carrington.
Lawrence has done a fantastic job at the youth level after joining the club as Under-16s Lead Coach in 2021.
He not only developed young stars but also guided his side to an impressive treble of silverware in the 2023/24 season.
His side finished second in the Premier League North and came agonisingly close to a spot in the FA Youth Cup final.
Fletcher’s imminent appointment is a strategic masterstroke, considering he came through United’s academy and enjoyed a successful Old Trafford career.
The midfielder has won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, one Champions League, and one Club World Cup.
Taking charge of the U18s could mark Fletcher’s first major step towards a full-time managerial career.
His twin sons, Jack and Tyler Fletcher, have now moved up to the U21s, clearing the path for their father to take the reins of the U18s squad without conflict.