Former Man United midfielder Darren Fletcher is now in charge of the club's Under-18s squad.
Manchester United coach Darren Fletcher.
Darren Fletcher has been appointed as Manchester United's new Under-18s boss.
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Manchester United have appointed former midfielder Darren Fletcher as the Under-18s' new lead coach.
The Scot, who returned to Old Trafford in a coaching capacity four years ago, has succeeded Adam Lawrence, who left the club earlier this summer to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.
United have confirmed Fletcher, 41, has immediately stepped into the breach and will oversee the Under-18s' pre-season preparations. He has already overseen a training camp at the Adidas global headquarters in Germany as well as an 8-2 win over QPR at Carrington at the weekend.
On being installed as the Under-18s' new boss, Fletcher told United's club website: "I am really excited to take on this new role and increase my responsibility to directly develop our young players.
"I'm looking forward to working with such a talented age-group; supporting them to reach their potential and preparing them to enjoy careers at the highest level possible."
Fletcher, who made more than 340 appearances for United during his playing career, will have ambitions of maintaining the excellent standards that have been set at Under-18s level in recent years. Lawrence oversaw a successful period for the Under-18s during a two-year stint in charge. He led them to three trophies in 2023/24 and the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup last season.
Explaining what Fletcher will bring to the role, United director of football Jason Wilcox said: "We are delighted that Darren will lead our Under-18s group.
"He knows exactly what it takes to be a successful academy graduate and has played a key role in shaping the pathway for so many of our young players in recent years.
"Darren's excellent relationships across the entire staff will only increase the strong connection between the academy and first-team, further enhancing our ability to produce world-class players ready to excel at Manchester United."
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