Manchester United have revealed that rising star Jack Fletcher is training with the first-team ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Fletcher, son of former United midfielder and current Under-18s manager Darren, is one of the brightest prospects to come out of the club's academy.
The young midfielder recently joined the club's pre-season tour of the United States and made an appearance in the second half of the 2-1 victory over West Ham United at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He also came off the bench in the 0-0 draw against Leeds United that preceded the US tour.
Despite netting four goals in nine Premier League 2 appearances for United's Under-21s last season, the 18-year-old has yet to make his competitive first-team debut for the club. However, he was named on the bench on seven occasions last season.
Fletcher, along with his brother Tyler, made the switch from cross-city rivals Manchester City to United in the summer of 2023. The pair crossed the Manchester divide for a combined fee of £1.25million.
As they gear up for Sunday's Premier League curtain-raiser against the Gunners, United are not exactly brimming with midfield options. The club's website emphasises just how scarce United are in that particular department.
Following the loan of Dan Gore to Rotherham United earlier this summer, United's first-team squad now only boasts six midfielders, as listed on their official website. However, that number is set to decrease further with the expected loan departure of Toby Collyer.
Furthermore, Mason Mount has been identified as a No. 10 by head coach Ruben Amorim, leaving Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes as the primary midfield options for the Portuguese manager.
United are keen to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes on September 1 and have expressed interest in Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
This story was originally published by the Manchester Evening News.