A year ago Manchester United made a double raid on Manchester City for Jack and Tyler Fletcher, and both are making terrific progress.
Manchester United swooped in 2023 to sign Darren Fletcher’s twin sons from City’s academy, bringing the highly rated pair into Carrington.
Both players turned 17 in March and enjoyed mixed fortunes during their debut campaigns in the Manchester United academy.
Jack Fletcher played 14 matches in all competitions, scoring once and providing four assists, and was rewarded with a call-up on United’s pre-season tour.
On the other hand, Tyler Fletcher saw less game time, playing in only five matches. Now as 2024/25 begins, both midfield prospects are playing key roles.
Jack Fletcher’s great start
Jack Fletcher has been playing with Manchester United’s under-21 team and has been arguably the standout player so far this season, rivalled only by Ethan Ennis.
The only under-21 match Fletcher did not play, United lost. His season began when he came off the bench against Barnsley in the EFL Trophy and turned the match on it’s head.
With United trailing 2-0, Fletcher turbo-charged a comeback with United winning 3-2, after he netted an equaliser and a winning goal.
Both goals were impressive, with his first being the pick of the bunch, a half-volley over the goalkeeper’s head from 25 yards out.
He scored again in a 4-1 win over Stoke a week later, before two game-changing assists in the 3-1 win over Blackburn.
In three matches, Fletcher has three goals and two assists – and of these three games, only two have been starts.
It was no surprise at all to see him training with Manchester United’s first team a week ago.
Tyler Fletcher making an impact too
This season Tyler Fletcher has been starting for the under-18s, and in both the team’s matches to kick off the campaign, he has made a decisive impact.
Fletcher provided an assist in United’s match against City, a 2-0 win over his former club, getting his own season off to a flier.
The in the following game, Fletcher scored his first goal for Manchester United’s academy, in a 2-0 victory over Liverpool.
Both players are demonstrating they are top talents, signed for footballing reasons and not simply because of their names.
City’s loss is clearly United’s gain, and as their second season at the club gets underway, they are making a real impact.
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