Manchester United’s U21 side kicked off their Football League Trophy campaign with victory against Barnsley.
The EFL Trophy sees Manchester United’s U21 side take on senior opposition in the form of teams from League One and Two.
The 2024/25 edition began on Tuesday night, with United taking on Barnsley in the opener. The Red Devils came from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in the end.
It offers academy players a real chance to prove themselves against professionals rather than other kids and therefore it can be an effective way of judging youngsters against seasoned professionals.
Well in that thinking, Tuesday might have seen one United wonderkid send a statement to Ineos.
Jack Fletcher shows himself to be a star in the making
United’s U21 side beating the senior side of Barnsley is an impressive feat for the individuals involved and they will be delighted with themselves for their performance.
Jack Fletcher was the star of the show at just 17, scoring twice in the game with one of his goals being a true wondergoal – firing it in from well outside the box, a goal which he will never forget scoring.
Fletcher is one of Carrington’s finest right now, and at this rate, he is in for a tremendous career.
READ MORE: Who is Jack Fletcher? Meet Man Utd’s rising talent, including his father and twin brother
The other United goal was scored by Ethan Ennis who made it two from two this season as he continues to restore the hype around him toward levels they were at before his injury problems – with a new contract already signed.
All three goals came in the 80th minute and onwards which indicates these young players have the ‘Fergie-time’ gene already installed in them.
The win puts United top of Group F, with the two other teams being Huddersfield and Doncaster – two tricky ties for our young Reds.
Fletcher sends a statement to Ineos
Fletcher was part of the tour squad earlier this summer which shows Erik ten Hag is aware of his ability after he was pinpointed as a top-tier talent last season.
Described as being like Cole Palmer in playing style, Fletcher is a superb talent who Ten Hag believes has a huge future with claims in January suggesting he could be fast-tracked.
Fletcher performing so well against senior opposition is a real statement and will undoubtedly see him a talking point at Carrington tomorrow among Ineos decision-makers.
While he is not a Premier League-ready talent, it could be worth United testing the waters over potentially sending him on loan this season where he would benefit far more than being in youth football.
Alternatively, he could be in line for Europa League and cup minutes which could be huge for his development. He is a very special footballer and United will be laughing at Man City for letting him go.
Ineos need to sit up and take note because United have another gem who needs to be treated as such. Whatever the club decide to do with him this season he is ready for the next level.
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