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Topics: Brentford, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League, Fan Reactions
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Brentford, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League, Fan Reactions
One of Manchester United's top academy prospects has been handed his first call-up to the senior squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Brentford.
Jack Fletcher, the son of club legend Darren Fletcher, was pictured arriving with the first-team squad at Old Trafford alongside Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo.
The highly-rated 17-year-old has a long-term admirer in Ten Hag, who believes the central midfielder is destined for the big time after being impressed by his attitude and maturity.
In fact, Fletcher was promoted to first-team training at the end of last year and has continued to impress following his record-breaking move from local rivals Manchester City in 2023.
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Back in December, a source told The Sun that Ten Hag was working with his staff to put a plan in place to try and develop and fast-track Fletcher's progress.
Now, the teenager will get his first taste of being with the senior squad – just five months after penning his first professional contract.
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the news.
One said: "Fantastic news and well deserved. Not to mention us needing his profile in the first team. Hope he gets at least a couple of minutes," and a second wrote: "Jesus, I remember Darren in the youth team, feeling old at 38.'
A third commented: "Jack Fletcher's elite ball-carrying ability and powerful midfield runs make him a formidable force. His ball control is exceptional, reminiscent of Kevin De Bruyne, who similarly thrives on driving through the middle with pace."
A fourth said: "Happy to see him in the squad," while a fifth added: "Odds on Ten Gag throwing him on when we’re losing to have one positive."
Back in July last year, United poached Jack and his twin brother Tyler from local rivals Manchester City in a deal worth £1.25 million, which was a record for an under-16 player in England.
Jack has made four appearances in Premier League 2 this season, and recently netted a 35-yard screamer for United's under-21s in their EFL Trophy clash against Barnsley.
Tyler, meanwhile, notched four assists in an under-18 game against Blackburn this month.
Darren Fletcher, who made 342 appearances for Manchester United after coming through the academy system, is currently part of the backroom staff at Old Trafford.
He recently switched from his previous technical director job to a role as a first-team coach.