Erik ten Hag is eyeing Manchester United’s next breakout star after making Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo permanent members of his senior squad. The Dutchman has stayed true to his vow of dripping youth talent into his plans if they are good enough across his first 18 months in charge.
Upon his arrival last summer, Ten Hag pledged to introduce one academy star to his senior ranks every year to continue United’s proud traditions.
Last season, Garnacho went from the subject of occasional cameos to a regular, making 34 appearances in all competitions.
It looks to be Mainoo’s turn this season. The 18-year-old midfielder was handed his first Premier League start in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Everton.
And Ten Hag’s sights are reportedly already set beyond the current campaign, with one starlet in particular turning his head in training.
According to The Sun, Jack Fletcher – son of United hero and current technical director Darren Fletcher – has “wowed” Ten Hag.
Jack joined twin brother Tyler Fletcher in switching allegiances from Manchester City earlier this year in a £1.25million deal.
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The 16-year-old was spotted training with Ten Hag’s first team in the build-up to Wednesday’s 3-3 Champions League draw at Galatasaray.
And the report claims the United boss is keen to fast-track Fletcher’s path to senior football after being left impressed by his qualities.
A Sun source said: “Erik Ten Hag has been watching Jack closely for several months now and has been really impressed.
“He thinks he has huge potential, which is why he decided to promote him to train with the first team last week.
“Ten Hag is now working with his staff to put a plan in place to try and develop and fast-track Jack’s progress.
“He is likely to go out on loan next season, but Erik believes, in the long term, he has a massive future at United.
“He’s been wowed by his attitude and his maturity and – thinks he is the latest in an exciting crop of talent to be coming through at United.”
Fletcher scored and assisted in a 6-0 win against Leeds United in his sole U18 Premier League appearance this term.
He also travelled to Istanbul in midweek for United’s UEFA Youth League clash against Galatasaray, playing another 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat.
Ten Hag seemingly has big plans for Fletcher, who could soon be the latest in an illustrious long line of teenage players to make their senior United debut.
