Manchester United’s academy setup has seen a number of staff changes including a new role for Darren Fletcher.
Following the news that Manchester United academy director Nick Cox is leaving to join Everton, there has also been a change of staff at Under-18s level.
Adam Lawrence stepped down as U18s coach, with Darren Fletcher offered the U18s job as his replacement.
Darren Fletcher has had several backroom roles at Old Trafford, including a temporary stint as technical director before being replaced by Jason Wilcox.
Assuming Fletcher accepts his academy coaching role, he will have one clear priority.
Darren Fletcher holding ball and ball-bag for Manchester United warm-up.
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Darren Fletcher will be responsible for JJ Gabriel’s progress
Since the Ineos takeover, the new owners have heavily invested in the club’s academy setup and have brought in some exciting young talent.
One name that has popped up is JJ Gabriel, who at 14 years old has already been promoted to the Under-18s and tipped to be a future first-team star.
Gabriel has been dubbed United’s ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo’ due to his skillful style of play and immense talent.
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Cristiano Ronaldo is not the only legendary star he has been compared to either, with Gabriel nicknamed ‘Kid Messi’ by those in the academy setup.
Gabriel has been tipped to make his debut next season under Ruben Amorim, although the teenager will have to wait until 2026/27 to make his Premier League debut when he turns 16.
Until then, it will be up to Fletcher to manage Gabriel in the Under-18s and ensure he continues on his impressive trajectory.
JJ Gabriel has committed to staying with Man United
As one of United’s most promising young talents, Gabriel attracted interest from Real Madrid as the Spanish side looked to make a summer swoop.
However, in a huge boost for the Red Devils, reports suggest Gabriel has decided to stay at United heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
READ MORE: Man Utd wonderkid JJ Gabriel spotted in summer training camp alongside £55m Newcastle star
Meetings with chief duo Jason Wilcox and Matt Hargreaves were reportedly important to Gabriel’s decision to stay at Carrington.
Rules state that United cannot sign Gabriel to a professional contract until he turns 17 years old, but he could see first-team action as soon as next season if Amorim decides to give him an opportunity in a cup competition.