Darren Fletcher was appointed Manchester United U18s manager earlier this summer.
There has been a lot of change in the Manchester United academy recently, especially at the Under-18 level, with Adam Lawrence stepping down as coach.
Perhaps the biggest change of all came when Nick Cox announced his departure as head of academy. He will soon take a senior position at Everton.
However, Darren Fletcher was offered the U18s job as Lawrence’s replacement. The former Scotland international previously worked in several backroom roles at Old Trafford, including a temporary stint as technical director.
This means the U18s are working with a coach who won five Premier League titles, two League Cups, the FA Cup, the Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Fletcher started his new role with immediate effect and has been preparing his players for the new season.
Darren Fletcher and Harry Amass of Manchester United
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Darren Fletcher having a positive impact on Man Utd U18s
It’s early days still, but the signs are good for Fletcher and the U18s.
Fletcher was always a hard-working professional during his playing days and we are beginning to see that in his characteristics as a coach.
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Always leading by example, the Scot has everyone around him praising his work in the role thus far.
According to Nathan Salt of the Daily Mail, Fletcher has been getting positive feedback from the players, agents and the parents involved.
One source told Salt that Fletcher is “destined for the very top,” which is good news for United.
The early noises coming out from the U18s camp is so extremely positive about Darren Fletcher.
No real surprise but players, agents and parents are waxing lyrical.
“Destined for the very top,” one told me earlier. Good to hear #mufc
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) August 1, 2025
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Fletcher will be tasked with helping members of the U18s to kick on with their development and to try to prepare them for senior football.
Manchester United U18s 6-1 Watford
Fletcher’s side made light work of Watford on Friday with a 6-1 win.
JJ Gabriel scored the best goal of the bunch, which went viral on social media.
It was an incredible goal as the youngster danced around Watford’s defence.
Fletcher has a talented bunch of players and he’ll be aiming for a successful campaign with them. Hopefully, a run in the FA Youth Cup.