A 13th Manchester United star will be heading to this summer's World Cup after their compatriot suffered a devastating injury which has ruled him out of the tournament
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Harry Maguire, Tyler Fletcher and Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at Amex Stadium on May 24, 2026 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Tyler Fletcher is going to the World Cup(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United youngster Tyler Fletcher has been called up to Scotland's squad for the World Cup as a last-minute replacement for the injured Billy Gilmour. Fletcher, 19, only made his senior debut for Scotland on Saturday in their 4-1 friendly win against Curacao, during which Gilmour picked up a knee injury.
The Napoli star will now miss the World Cup, where Scotland will appear for the first since 1998, in a devastating blow. Steve Clarke's squad are due to fly to the United States on Sunday and Fletcher will be on board.
The teenager, the son of United legend Darren, has fended off competition from three other midfielders who were on standby. Rangers' Conor Barron, Andy Irving of Sparta Prague and Udinese star Lennon Miller were also in contention to replace Gilmour at short notice.
"Those three are on standby, and obviously Tyler joined us this week," Scotland boss Clarke explained post-match. "He's trained well this week, so he's a little bit closer than the other three, but I'd need to have a big discussion with my staff and decide the best way to go."
On Sunday morning, the Scottish FA confirmed that Fletcher had been called up. His twin brother, Jack - who is also on United's books - chose to represent England at youth international level.
Dad Darren represented Scotland 80 times and was named captain in 2009. The former midfielder now manages United's under-18 side after previously serving as interim manager of the first-team in January.
Tyler featured for the Red Devils on the final day of the season at Brighton and has become the 13th United player to be selected for the 2026 World Cup. The 19-year-old won the prestigious Denzil Haroun Player of the Year Award this season, previously claimed by the likes of Nicky Butt, Michael Keane, Adnan Januzaj, Axel Tuanzebe and Alvaro Fernandez.
After Saturday's game at Hampden Park, Scotland star Kenny McLean labelled Fletcher 'special' and made comparisons to his dad. "Tyler came on and I can't speak highly enough of him," McLean hailed.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 30: Tyler Fletcher of Scotland looks on during the international friendly match between Scotland and Curacao at Hampden Park on May 30, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Tyler Fletcher made his Scotland debut on Saturday(Image: WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
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"I said to the lads after his first session, 'I can see something special in him', so I was glad he got on after the week he has had. In my first couple of squads, I played with his dad and, for me, in my first session, he [Darren] stood out a mile.
"Fortunately for Scotland, his son is pretty similar. There is a lot of potential there. It's about using him in the right way."
Scotland will begin their World Cup campaign against Haiti at 2am UK time on Sunday, June 14. Their group also includes Brazil and Morocco.
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