After naming Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo permanent members of his senior squad, Erik ten Hag is looking for Manchester United’s next breakout star. Throughout his first 18 months in command, the Dutchman has kept his promise of leaking youth talent into his plans if they are good enough.
Ten Hag promised to bring one academy talent into his senior ranks every year when he arrived last summer, in order to carry on United’s proud traditions.
Garnacho rose from infrequent cameo to regular last season, appearing in 34 games across all competitions.
This season appears to be Mainoo’s turn. The 18-year-old midfielder made his Premier League debut against Everton on Sunday.
And Ten Hag’s sights are reportedly set on a season beyond this one, with one superstar in particular turning his head in training.
Ten Hag has been “wowed” by Jack Fletcher, son of United hero and current technical director Darren Fletcher, according to The Sun.
Jack Fletcher joined twin brother Tyler Fletcher in a £1.25 million trade from Manchester City earlier this year.
In the build-up to Wednesday’s 3-3 Champions League match at Galatasaray, the 16-year-old was photographed working with Ten Hag’s first squad.
According to the report, the United manager is eager to accelerate Fletcher’s path to senior football after being pleased by his abilities.
“Erik Ten Hag has been watching Jack closely for several months now and has been really impressed,” a Sun source said.
“He believes he has tremendous potential, which is why he promoted him to train with the first team last week.”
“Ten Hag is now working with his staff to devise a strategy to develop and accelerate Jack’s progress.”
“He is likely to go out on loan next season, but Erik believes he has a bright 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.”
In his only U18 Premier League game this season, Fletcher scored and assisted in a 6-0 triumph over Leeds United.
In addition, he traveled to Istanbul in midweek for United’s UEFA Youth League match against Galatasaray, where he played another 90 minutes in a 1-0 loss.
Ten Hag appears to have high ambitions for Fletcher, who might be the latest in a long line of young youngsters to make their senior United debut.