Manchester United’s academy teams have enjoyed a strong start to the season, with some standout performers.
While Manchester United’s first team have had a tricky start to the season, the same can’t be said of the academy.
The under-18s have won both matches, against rivals City and Liverpool, while the under-21s have won three of four matches in all competitions.
While it’s been a team game, with six different goalscorers at under-21 level so far, Jack Fletcher in particular has caught the eye.
Jack Fletcher nominated for PL2 award
Jack Fletcher has been among Manchester United’s best players at under-21 level. After missing the first game, which United lost, he has led the team to three straight wins.
The first saw him score a stunning double in the EFL Trophy against Barnsley, with United coming from 2-0 down to win 3-2.
Fletcher then scored in the 4-1 league win over Stoke, before registering two assists as United beat Blackburn 3-1.
With three goals and two assists making it five goal contributions in three matches, it is little surprise to see him nominated for a national award.
Fletcher has been nominated as the PL2 Player of the Month, with the winner from the total of six nominees, set to be announced on Friday.
He has also been featuring for England’s under-18s side over the break too, scoring in a penalty shootout in a win over France.
United’s double raid on City for the Fletcher twins in 2023 is paying off, with Tyler Fletcher scoring and assisting for the under-18s too.
Possible Man Utd debut for Fletcher
Jack Fletcher was the youngest player on Manchester United’s pre-season tour, and his early season form may not have gone unnoticed.
Fletcher was been spotted training with the first team in the lead up to the game against Liverpool, and next week’s Carabao Cup fixture is set up ideally for him.
United are down a midfielder with Mason Mount injured, and Fletcher could be well set to step up.
The third-round fixture sees Manchester United take on Barnsley at Old Trafford, the team he scored twice against in the EFL Trophy.
Barnsley will have a stronger side out for this cup tie, yet Fletcher has a real chance to get into the mix, and make Erik ten Hag’s squad selection.
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