Having returned to Man United four-and-a-half years ago, Darren Fletcher has been named as their new U18 coach.
Fletcher has a new role at United
Fletcher has a new role at United
Darren Fletcher has occupied four roles within six years at Manchester United: ambassador, technical director, first team coach and now under 18s coach.
Fletcher was a conduit between the academy and the first team for several years, recommending which teenagers were suitable for first-team training on an ad hoc basis if a player was injured or the squad was depleted amid internationals.
He is a regular at Leigh Sports Village and was one of the few senior figures in attendance for United's high-profile FA Youth Cup ties against Chelsea, Arsenal and Aston Villa last season.
Fletcher, 41, had a 20-year association with United as a player and has been a full-time staff member for four-and-a-half years. He is eminently suitable for his first managerial role on the basis of his playing and coaching experiences at the club.
Beyond that, Fletcher is approachable, articulate and likeable. He will be an invaluable sounding board for young players who are sidelined for an inordinate period, having recovered from a debilitating case of ulcerative colitis that wiped a year off his career.
Fletcher's twin sons, Jack and Tyler, defected from the Manchester City academy to United's in 2023 but they are now ineligible to feature for the under 18s, which partly influenced their father's decision to take charge.
Fletcher took a back seat as Jack and Tyler mulled over their futures two years ago and which national side to represent. Jack chose England and Tyler is a Scotland youth international.
Sir Alex Ferguson had recommended Fletcher to replace Nick Cox as the director of academy but Fletcher's long-term ambition is to become a first team manager. This move should strengthen his CV. Kieran McKenna, now Ipswich Town manager, was the United U18 coach before Jose Mourinho promoted him to the first team dugout in 2016.
Fletcher is due to work closely with Travis Binnion, the head of player development and coaching who oversees the under 21s. United have also allocated Fletcher a key leadership role in the academy that will oversee all of the age groups.
United maintain the priority with academy talents will be player development and not results.
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