Darren Fletcher: Man United under-18s boss sets exciting side Youth Cup goal | OneFootball

Manchester United youngsters have enjoyed another very successful season.

Cup finals galore

The under-21s have reached the final of the Premier League play-offs after a pulsating 4-3 win over rivals Manchester City.

United will now face Brighton & Hove Albion in the final.

The under-18s have also been highly impressive and lost the Premier League Cup on penalties to Crystal Palace.

They have also dazzled in the prestigious FA Youth Cup and will face Manchester City in the final on 14th May, later this week.

Darren Fletcher comments

Speaking to the club’s official website, under-18s coach, Darren Fletcher, has spoken about the club’s first Youth Cup final since winning the trophy in 2022.

Commenting on the under-18s’ victory over Stoke City at the weekend, Fletcher claimed he was “really impressed” by his side’s ability to overcome the physical nature of the Stoke side.

He also explained that he told his side to keep moving the ball to tire out the opposition and that this “came to fruition” in the second half.

Reflecting on season

Fletcher had high praise for his young side for the season and claimed, “look, they have been fantastic, I think even unlucky in some of the results we have had. We’ve dominated almost every game to be honest with you and the goals conceded column are great but that comes from more ball possession, not giving the opposition the chance to attack us.”

He also explained that the whole team helps out defensively and it is a big part of his side’s identity.

The one criticism Fletcher had of his side was that they have not been “ruthless enough” in front of goal and he feels they should have put more teams to the sword this season and that is the “lesson of the season.”

The Youth Cup final

Commenting on the upcoming final against City, Fletcher claimed, “if you take your chances that you create in games, you probably go on and win things. That’s our challenge going into the FA Youth Cup final. The lads have been fantastic and have had really, really good season as individuals.”

Reflecting on his first season in charge of the under-18s, he said, “I’ve really enjoyed it because the boys are a pleasure to work with. The staff are a pleasure to work with and I have learnt and grown in terms of my development as a coach. Developing young players is key to this club and it is a real privilege to lead the under-18s and I’m really enjoying working with the players.” Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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