Manchester United head of academy Stephen Torpey has hailed Tyler Fletcher’s mindset and professionalism following his call-up to the Scotland squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The past week is one Manchester United youngster, Tyler Fletcher, will never forget.
The United academy graduate and son of Darren Fletcher earned a late call-up for Scotland at the 2026 World Cup following an injury to Napoli midfielder Billy Gilmour.
That means Fletcher, who became the first academy player Michael Carrick gave a debut to in February, is set to represent the Tartan Army in the US, Canada and Mexico. He goes to the World Cup after claiming the 2026 Denzil Haroun Reserve-Team Player of the Year award.
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Stephen Torpey hails Tyler Fletcher’s mindset
It has already been a remarkable year for Fletcher.
From impressing in the youth teams and making his United debut to now being called up to the Scotland squad, Fletcher will feel on top of the world right now.
It sounds like United fans have little to worry about when it comes to Fletcher’s character and professionalism. His mentality has been praised by United’s head of academy, Stephen Torpey, who acknowledges how the 19-year-old has faced plenty of ups and downs.
“Well, yeah, I think it’s a situation that is pretty unique to have your father as an ex-player, but also your twin brother also as a player,” Torpey told The Devil’s Advocate, a podcast produced by BBC.
“So I think it’s quite a unique situation, but the family handle it really well, and Tyler in particular, always handles it with humility and shows that it’s all about what he does and not about what other people are doing. And I think that that’s been a credit to him and all the family really, they’ve operated like this from a very young age.
“And it’s important that we treat him as an individual and that we think about him as a person. And ultimately throughout the journey that he’s been on so far, like any young player, there’s been ups, there’s been downs, there’s been moments of happiness and moments of disappointment.
“But that’s what makes these young players and helps them be prepared and ready for what this industry brings.
“So he’s always handled it with calmness, with a quiet confidence in his ability, and also recognising that he’s going at his own pace in his own world and that we don’t have to increase that pace or slow it down at any point. Just work together and collaborate to help him achieve his potential.”
It’s hard not to read Torpey’s comments and not feel delighted for Fletcher because the World Cup call-up proves that hard work pays off.
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Familiar faces for Tyler Fletcher in Group C at World Cup
United will have strong representation in Group C at the World Cup.
Fletcher will be in the Scotland squad with ex-United star Scott McTominay, but he will also be joined by other United players from the Morocco and Brazil squads.
Scotland face a Noussair Mazraoui-inspired Morocco side in their second fixture.
In their final group game against Brazil, Carlo Ancelotti will have Matheus Cunha and Ederson to select from, along with former United star Casemiro.
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