Manchester United have moved a step closer to unleashing the next Kobbie Mainoo by tying Tyler and Jack Fletcher down to the twin siblings’ first professional contracts. Jack, in particular, has caught Erik ten Hag’s attention and has already trained with the first team on more than one occasion.
The duo – United icon Darren Fletcher’s sons – joined United for a combined £1.25million fee last year after spending nine years in Manchester City’s academy.
Both, like their father, are midfielders, and club figures are reportedly convinced that both will debut for the senior side at some point in their promising careers.
Jack has featured eight times for United’s dominant U18 team this season, while Tyler has racked up five appearances.
Ten Hag is reportedly keen to fast-track the former’s progress after being “wowed” by the quality and potential he has shown since switching allegiances in Manchester.
The Dutchman displayed his faith by calling Jack up to first-team training ahead of United’s Champions League clash against Galatasaray in November.
While Tyler represents Scotland at youth level like his father, who made 342 appearances for United, Jack is an England U17 international.
Both midfield starlets turned 17 in March and have now penned their first professional contracts at Old Trafford in a proud moment for the Fletcher family.
Mainoo was 17 when he started training with Ten Hag’s squad before making his debut against Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup in January 2023.
He played a prominent role in pre-season last summer before suffering an unfortunate injury against Real Madrid that kept him out until November.
Since his return, Mainoo has incredibly established himself as a cemented starter for United and earned his first two senior England caps in March.
The 18-year-old maestro has made 24 appearances since his debut, 21 of which have come this season, and looks set to become the centrepiece of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s efforts to restore the glory days over the coming years.
Mainoo has started 16 of United’s last 17 games, including 13 in a row in the Premier League, and is expected to agree a new long-term contract later this year.
Tyler and Jack Fletcher have achieved a significant milestone by earning their professional deals, and both will now turn their attention to adding to the 249 academy hopefuls who have become United stars.
Jack, in particular, is destined for a bright future in M16 and could enjoy a similar breakthrough to Mainoo when the time is right.
