Two 16-year-olds spotted in training as Manchester United prepare for Everton

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Teenage trio Jack Fletcher, Jayce Fitzgerald and Dan Gore have all been pictured training with Manchester United’s first-team on Wednesday ahead of this weekend’s Premier League return against Everton.

Now, this does not mean that you can expect to see 16-year-old’s Jack Fletcher and Jayce Fitzgerald appear on Erik ten Hag’s bench at Goodison Park.

But it is a sign that Manchester United are pretty pleased with their development behind the scenes at Carrington. The chance to test their mettle alongside the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Mount and the returning Luke Shaw an important marker in their young careers. 

Manchester United give teens a chance

Jack Fletcher and Jayce Fitzgerald can be spotted in the background of United’s training pics, provided by the club’s official Instagram account.

Fletcher is the son of Red Devils hero Darren and twin brother to Tyler. The two siblings arrived in a £1.6 million double deal from local rivals Man City back in June.

The inclusion of Fitzgerald, meanwhile, is a fitting reward for an impressive start to the reason with United’s youth sides. The talented midfielder, capped four times by England at U17 level, scored a stunning long-range goal in a 6-0 hammering of Leeds back in October, cutting inside and bending a shot Bruno Fernandes himself would have been proud off into the far corner.

Also visible in United’s pre-Everton preparations is Dan Gore. Three years older than Fletcher and Fitzgerald, Gore has been in Ten Hag’s matchday squad on a number of occasions. He may be in contention to feature at Goodison Park.

Especially with Christian Eriksen cramming himself into an already crowded treatment room.

Dan Gore catching Erik ten Hag’s eye

Gore, a stylish and silky footballer with an eye for a defence-splitting pass, made his United debut in the 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Crystal Palace a couple of months ago.

“Regarding his performance, he’s always competitive,” Under 21 coach Travis Binnon says of Gore, the twinkle-toed teen hoping to follow in the footsteps of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.

“He’s got real good quality. The way he’s driven with the ball and left senior players behind (in a game against Stockport County) was excellent. His character as well. He was on one leg and he was still pressing.

“He’s a really good player and we’re really pleased with his progression.”