Manchester United’s U21 side took a step back toward league glory on Friday, with Jack Fletcher at the centre of an impressive victory. All done while Michael Carrick watched on.
Adam Lawrence’s side are in contention to win the Premier League 2 crown this season, and Manchester United’s 2-1 win over Southampton put them back level on points at the top of the table.
Victor Musa scored both goals in the game, with two really good finishes for his first of the campaign. However, it was Jack Fletcher who stole the spotlight with his display.
It came on his return from suspension, and it was a message to the onlooking Michael Carrick.
Jack Fletcher plays corner for Manchester United at Carrington.
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Jack Fletcher shining for Manchester United U21
Carrick was on the sideline alongside Steve Holland, Jonathan Woodgate, and Jonny Evans on Friday to watch the U21 match, and it is Jack Fletcher they will be most encouraged by.
Fletcher was back from his six-game suspension, and his performance didn’t suggest any rust.
The 255th United academy graduate assisted both of Musa’s goals, each being impressive in their own way.
For the opening goal, Fletcher took an indirect free-kick, with which his delivery was headed home by Musa.
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The second was primarily due to the superb work of Jayce Fitzgerald as the midfielder scrapped to win the ball back, hold off two defenders, and slip a pass to Fletcher before he fired a cross along the floor to Musa at the back post.
This brings Fletcher’s assist tally for the season to eight, leading the U21 side and this performance was arguably the best he’s had in ages. A clear message of intent to Carrick.
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Manchester United academy star Jim Thwaites playing in the Under-18s.
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Fletcher making best case for recall to Manchester United senior side
This season has been very eventful for Fletcher already, but his performance suggests there could yet be twists.
Fletcher made his first team debut in December against Villa, with Ruben Amorim using the teenager multiple times, albeit out of position every single time.
He was then relegated to remaining on the bench, then to the U21s, while his twin brother Tyler Fletcher debuted for United.
But now, putting in an impressive performance like this, getting the numbers, is exactly what Fletcher needs to grab Carrick’s attention, as he no doubt aims to return to the first team fold.
Hopefully, next time he gets a chance like this, he is deployed in his best position to really show what he can do.
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