Man United legend in talks to become new U18s manager after working closely with Ruben Amorim last season

Darren Fletcher has held talks about becoming Manchester United’s Under-18 manager.

The vacancy has been open since Adam Lawrence decided to leave following the end of the 2024-25 season.

Mail Sport understands that while nothing has yet been agreed with Fletcher, he is well liked by sporting director Jason Wilcox and departing academy director Nick Cox and has held talks.

Fletcher, who holds his UEFA A licence, spent last season working closely with Ruben Amorim and the first team and he operated as a conduit to help get academy players into training groups and matchday squads. 

He has ambitions of one day becoming a manager in his own right and the Under-18 role, which was previously held by Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna, is seen as a great opportunity to cut his teeth in a prestigious role.

This would represent Fletcher’s first opportunity to lead a team and add to his coaching CV.

The role has been vacant since Adam Lawrence departed at the end of the 2024-25 season

Fletcher worked with Ruben Amorim and the first team last season, helping integrate academy players into training and matchday squads

His two sons, Jack and Tyler, are part of the Under-21 cohort and it’s understood their presence at the club had given Fletcher pause for thought about taking senior academy roles previously.

Fletcher’s knowledge of the club, having been a mainstay in the first team under Sir Alex Ferguson, is seen as a feather in his cap, as is his focus on player development.

Club sources have indicated that individual development of players would be prioritised over results in a bid to generate future first team stars.