Manchester United’s under-18s suffered defeat in the Premier League Cup final, with Darren Fletcher’s side deserving of more on the night, having wasted plenty of chances to win the game before extra time.
It’s been a year of milestones for Darren Fletcher, taking over the U18s and stepping in as caretaker head coach for the first-team.
Fletcher has gained a lot of experience at United, where he has spent most of his life, having initially joined the club at the age of 12.
United will hope that Fletcher can share his good habits as a professional with the academy and help the youth players develop their games for the senior level.
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Darren Fletcher loses third biggest match of the season
Fletcher has already had big games this season.
In his role as caretaker head coach, which lasted only two matches, Fletcher came away with one draw and one defeat.
His latest big game came on Wednesday night as United’s U18s lost 6-5 on penalties against Crystal Palace in the Premier League Cup.
The young Reds led 1-0 for most of the game before a late controversial equaliser from Palace forced the game to extra time and penalties.
Fletcher’s side had the hang on at the end because they were down to 10 men after Palace’s stoppage-time penalty, despite the foul taking place outside the box.
It was a missed opportunity for Fletcher to pick up the first trophy of the season for the U18s, but luckily, they have more chances to win silverware this season.
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- Man Utd lost 6-5 on penalties against Crystal Palace in the Premier League Cup final
- It was the third big game Darren Fletcher has failed to win this season
- Fletcher can make amends with the U18s yet
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Darren Fletcher’s next big game is the FA Youth Cup final
The FA Youth Cup final takes place on May 9.
It will feature both Manchester clubs, making it a derby.
The venue and kick-off time has yet to be confirmed by the FA.
For Fletcher, it’s a great opportunity to get vindication for some difficult results and clinch some silverware.
The same applies to the young lads in Fletcher’s team, who will feel unlucky after Wednesday night’s defeat to Palace.
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