cutting measures speak volumes about Man Utd coach

Darren Fletcher response to latest cost-cutting measures speak volumes about Man Utd coach

Darren Fletcher is now in his fifth different role since returning to Manchester United, with their former midfielder now in charge of the club's Under-18 squad

Manchester United’s academy teams have become the latest to bear the brunt of cost-cutting measures, but that hasn’t stopped Darren Fletcher getting change out of his charges. Fletcher, now in charge of the Under-18s team, has overseen five league wins out of six while also overseeing wins against Brighton and Middlesbrough in the cup.

It has been a similar story with the Under-21s, who have done even better. Travis Binnion is the man in the dugout there, and six wins from six leave United’s youngsters top of Premier League 2.

All of this comes against a less-than-ideal backdrop. The Athletic reports that United’s revamped Carrington training base doesn’t have enough room to house the academy sides, who no longer enjoy some of the benefits they enjoyed before the redevelopment as Jim Ratcliffe's changes continue.

The youngsters are now housed in temporary accommodation and no longer have a dedicated ground floor dressing room and treatment room near the first team. They previously shared some areas with first-teamers, but that interaction is now limited, though United say they have been waiting for the arrival of new academy director Stephen Torpey to arrive before work on a bespoke academy structure begins.

The same report indicates there is currently a dedicated changing room for ‘emerging talent’ - set aside for academy stars when they train with the first team. Fletcher’s son Tyler is one of those to benefit of late, along with Shea Lacey - one of the youngsters who featured in United’s post-season friendlies back in May.

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Darren Fletcher has been through a lot during his time at United, rising through the ranks as a player and returning as a staff member after hanging up his boots. Since coming back to his boyhood club, though, the Scot has held a number of roles.

He rejoined the club in 2020 as Under-16s boss, before later taking on roles as first-team coach and technical director. His role changed to technical coach in April 2024 and he survived coaching overhauls in Erik ten Hag’s final summer and Ruben Amorim’s early months before moving to his current post in July.

The situation at Carrington might look like an easy excuse for results on the field to suffer. It has been nothing of the sort, though, with Fletcher's charges producing plenty of dominant victories.

“I am really excited to take on this new role and increase my responsibility to directly develop our young players," Fletcher, 41, said over the summer. "I’m looking forward to working with such a talented age-group; supporting them to reach their potential and preparing them to enjoy careers at the highest level possible.”

“We are delighted that Darren will lead our Under-18s group,” director of football Jason Wilcox added. “He knows exactly what it takes to be a successful Academy graduate and has played a key role in shaping the pathway for so many of our young players in recent years.

“Darren’s excellent relationships across the entire staff will only increase the strong connection between the Academy and first team, further enhancing our ability to produce world-class players ready to excel at Manchester United.”

All the while, Fletcher has not one but two sons in the academy. Twin brothers Tyler and Jack have had different careers so far, with the former representing Scotland at age group level and the latter captaining England’s Under-18s for the first time in March.

The siblings have continued to impress for United’s academy sides this term, and Jack was close to a senior debut last season. He made the bench several times under Amorim, including for the Europa League knockout victory over Real Sociedad.

The 2025/26 season has been one of promise so far, despite the situation being far from perfect. And it has a considerable Fletcher flavour.

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